HIRONO OPPOSES KEYSTONE XL PIPELINE, CALLS FOR RENEWED FOCUS ON OUR SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FUTURE

Washington, DC – Senator Mazie K. Hirono, member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement after her vote against the Keystone XL Pipeline, which is expected to be vetoed by the President. 

“We must commit to a long-term national strategy to address our dependence on fossil fuels and make sustainable energy practices a top priority. The development of tar sands takes us in the wrong direction. Climate change and our reliance on fossil fuels are not only environmental issues but national security issues.  A more diverse, clean, and innovative energy system will  create new American jobs, enhance American economic competitiveness and national security, and provide long-term benefits for small businesses and consumers.

“For years, Hawaii has prioritized and been a national leader in developing truly clean, sustainable and renewable energy. But there is much more work to be done. I applaud the President for his promise to veto the Keystone Pipeline bill and urge my colleagues to renew their focus and push forward on finding solutions to our sustainable energy future.”