Alcee L Hastings : Hastings’ Statement on President Trump’s Executive Action to Advance the Keystone and Dakota Access Pipelines

Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement after President Donald Trump signed two Presidential Memoranda to advance the Keystone XL and Dakota Access Pipelines:

'President Trump's decision to revive the Keystone XL and Dakota Access Pipelines is a clear demonstration that he puts the oil industry above the interests of the American people. It is very disappointing that on the same day that Senate Democrats proposed a historic plan to rebuild our crumbling infrastructure and create over 15 million jobs, President Trump's administration doubled down on his support for dirty fuels. If President Trump is serious about long-term, sustainable job creation, he should join Democrats in supporting the clean energy industries of the future rather than the dirty industries of the past.

'In addition to demonstrating contempt for Native Americans and the Standing Rock Sioux Nation Tribe, this action revives the false choice of supporting either job growth or the environment. We can lead the world in renewable energy jobs, ushering in a new era of clean technology and good jobs, without putting at risk clean water and sacred tribal burial and archaeological sites.

'President Trump has said repeatedly that he wants to bring people together, yet just days into his presidency he has consistently steamrolled groups opposing his policies. By putting the oil industry over the American people, President Trump has demonstrated once again that he hasn't the first clue of how to govern for all.'

Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation.

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