The documents, seen by
They also suggest that despite its best efforts,
"Roll back Trump enviro actions via EO (including rescind Keystone XL pipeline permit)," the document reads.
Other entries under the "Climate" heading include, "Rejoin the Paris Agreement" and "Announce date for
Campaign officials promised in May that if elected, Biden would cancel the
The controversial, on-again, off-again pipeline expansion, owned by
Government officials quietly refused to rule out the possibility that there might still be time to change the Biden administration's mind.
"Not only has the project itself changed significantly since it was first proposed, but Canada’s oilsands production has also changed significantly," Hillman said.
"Per-barrel oilsands (greenhouse gas) emissions have dropped 31 per cent since 2000, and innovation will continue to drive progress."
The federal Liberal government has also beefed up its climate plan in an effort to exceed the current target for cutting greenhouse gases by 2030, and to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, she added.
Ever since May, Canadian officials have been advocating for a cross-border discussion on climate and energy that would make room for both building the project and reducing emissions at the same time.
"Keystone XL fits within Canada’s climate plan," Hillman said, adding that it promises good union jobs in both countries "at a time when our economic recovery is a top priority."
"Underpinned by a crucial and long-standing trade and security partnership, there is no better partner for the
Where
"We renew our call on the incoming administration to show respect for
Cancelling the project would "kill jobs" in both countries, "weaken" cross-border ties and "undermine
"Should the incoming
Biden campaign officials did not immediately respond to media queries Sunday.
"Since it was initially proposed more than 10 years ago, the Keystone XL project has evolved with the needs of
"We are confident that Keystone XL is not only the safest and most reliable method to transport oil to markets, but the initiatives announced today also ensure it will have the lowest environmental impact of an oil pipeline in terms of greenhouse gas emissions."
Federal Conservative Leader
"I call on the prime minister to immediately reach out to the incoming
"I also call upon the incoming
"While I am urging the prime minister to leverage his relationship with
Some 200 kilometres of pipe have already been installed for the expansion, including across the Canada-U. S. border, and construction has begun on pump stations in
Biden was vice-president in 2015 when Obama initially rejected Keystone XL for fear it would worsen climate change. Trump approved it again in 2019.
The Biden campaign team appeared to slam the door on the expansion in May with an unequivocal statement committing the president-elect to "proudly" sign an order that would "stop it for good."
But observers and experts alike continued to hold out hope, even after Biden named
The news drew praise, however, from Biden's former rival, Sen.
"The Keystone pipeline is & always has been a disaster," he said on Twitter. "With all of the major crises facing America, we must never lose sight of the most existential threat facing our planet: climate change."
Environmental groups also cheered Biden's decision and encouraged federal leaders in
"It’s time for Canadian politicians to stop beating this dead horse and get on with building a clean energy future," said
"The Biden administration offers us a fresh start on addressing the climate crisis with a willing partner, so let’s not blow it by pushing pipelines."
This report from
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