Energy

REPORT: Biden Considering Ending Keystone XL Pipeline Permit On First Day In Office

(Andrew Burton/Getty Images)

Varun Hukeri General Assignment & Analysis Reporter
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President-elect Joe Biden reportedly plans to sign an executive order rescinding the Keystone XL pipeline’s cross-border permit on his first day in office, sources confirmed to multiple news outlets.

The executive order was reportedly included in a briefing note from the Biden transition team circulated over the weekend with industry groups and lobbyists, sources told CBC News. But the decision was not mentioned in incoming White House chief of staff Ron Klain’s weekend memo discussing proposed executive orders, Politico reported.

The president-elect is expected to take executive action on climate change during his first days in office. Biden has indicated he will sign executive orders rejoining the Paris Climate Accord and reversing many of the Trump administration’s regulatory rollbacks.

WILMINGTON, DELAWARE - JANUARY 16: U.S. President-elect Joe Biden speaks during an announcement January 16, 2021 at the Queen theater in Wilmington, Delaware. President-elect Joe Biden has announced key members of his incoming White House science team. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

President-elect Joe Biden speaks during an announcement on January 16, 2021 in Wilmington, Delaware (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Biden’s campaign previously suggested during the 2020 election that he would rescind the Keystone XL pipeline’s permit if elected. The crude oil pipeline — operated by TC Energy — was initially rejected by the Obama administration and then approved by President Donald Trump during his first week in office.

Biden could also face pushback from Canadian leaders if he rescinds the cross-border permit, which allows the transport of crude oil into the U.S. from Canada’s Alberta province. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reportedly brought up the Keystone XL pipeline during a November phone call with Biden, according to CBC News.

Canadian ambassador to the U.S. Kirsten Hillman did not confirm reports but said in a statement to Politico that the Canadian government still backs the initiative.

“The Government of Canada continues to support the Keystone XL project,” Hillman said. “Keystone XL fits within Canada’s climate plan. It will also contribute to U.S. energy security and economic competitiveness.”

Alberta’s provincial government invested $1.5 billion into the initiative last year and the Canadian side of the pipeline has seen more construction in recent months, according to CBC News. Alberta Premier Jason Kenney said in a tweet Sunday that he was “deeply concerned” by reports Biden would end the permit.

Former TC Energy executive Dennis McConaghy said the reports of a potential executive order were not surprising given growing pressure on the incoming Biden administration to enact sweeping environmental reforms. (RELATED: Climate Experts Sound The Alarm On Biden’s $2 Trillion Climate Plan)

“Ideally the project should have been completed and put into operation during the Trump administration,” McConaghy told CBC News. “It’s a very audacious thing that is being done here by the Biden administration.”