A San Diego environmental group that's been demonstrating against the proposed Keystone XL Pipeline applauded President Barack Obama's decision Friday to kill the project.
The nearly 1,200-mile pipeline would have carried oil from Canada through the U.S. midsection to connect with existing pipelines that extend to Gulf Coast refineries. Alberta-based energy giant TransCanada first proposed the pipeline seven years ago.
In making his decision, the president said the project would undercut the country's leadership position on climate change.
Masada Disenhouse, co-founder of the environmental organization SanDiego350, said the president made a strong statement in favor of shifting to cleaner energy sources.
"This moment is not only a clear sign of how the U.S. is shifting to act on climate, but also a massive affirmation of the work that countless volunteers have undertaken, here in San Diego and around the country, to mobilize a broad movement to raise awareness about the urgency of climate change and to demand local and national action to solve the climate crisis," Disenhouse said.
Her group held numerous rallies against Keystone XL, including along motorcade routes during Obama's visits to San Diego.
She said that the country needs a faster and more aggressive approach toward clean energy.
Pipeline supporters contended that the pipeline would have lowered gas prices, created jobs and lowered the country's dependence on foreign oil — claims rejected by the president.
