US State Dept. spokesman Mark Toner was asked to respond to criticism of Hillary Clinton’s comments that she is “inclined to” okay the Keystone XL pipeline even though the approval process is still underway.
Here was part of the exchange at the press briefing yesterday:
MR. TONER: Alberta Clipper pipeline was what the questioner asked about. She talked about – she – her response reflected the status of the Keystone XL pipeline, which is still under deliberation.
QUESTION: Right, correct. But she said that they were – that the Department is inclined to approve it. Did she not?
MR. TONER: She did.
QUESTION: Yes, okay. Well, there is some concern being expressed by lawmakers, environmentalists, and others that this prejudges the results of the review of – her comments.
MR. TONER: Well, my comments are that she – I think she also followed that with an assessment about the fact that we need cleaner energy sources and referred to the President’s agenda to seek cleaner energy sources, but until that time, we need to – frankly, to find energy sources in other areas as well, be they clean or dirty. And her words obviously stand.