SENATOR HIRONO ONCE AGAIN VOTES TO BLOCK EXPEDITED KEYSTONE PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION

WASHINGTON, D.C.  –  Senator Mazie K. Hirono today released the following statement after voting against the expedited construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline. The bill failed on a 59-41 vote as 60 were needed for passage.

"The fact remains that we as a country should refocus our efforts on developing truly clean and renewable energy that will create jobs and long term economic stability for small businesses and our economy. Climate change and further dependence on fuels that produce greenhouse gases threatens our islands' economy, our national security and our very way of life,” said Senator Hirono. “Fast tracking the Keystone Pipeline would only further our country's addiction to fossil fuels instead of developing a long term strategy to address sustainable energy practices.”