Senate fails to pass Keystone XL legislation: update

The most significant attempt yet to force US government approval of the Keystone XL oil pipeline failed narrowly to clear the Senate last night as a coalition of Republicans and moderate Democrats fell one vote short of the 60 votes needed for the legislation to pass.

A total of 14 Democrats, led by Louisiana senator Mary Landrieu, joined all 45 Republicans in voting for the bill, which called for the controversial energy project to be given immediate go-ahead after years of delay due to environmental concerns.

The bill failed to overcome a 60 vote threshold for passage by a narrow 59-41 decision.

Landrieu had been confident she could secure the 60 votes necessary to pass the bill, but public vote counts had the bill stalled at 59 votes yesterday afternoon.

The House of Representatives passed mirror legislation last week.

Edited from various sources by Elizabeth Corner

Sources: The Guardian, USA Today

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/project-news/19112014/senate-fails-to-pass-keystone-xl-legislation-update/