"TransCanada Renewing Request to Build Keystone Pipeline"

"TransCanada said Monday that it would reapply for a permit to build the Keystone XL pipeline from Canadian oil sands formations in Alberta to refineries on the Gulf of Mexico, assuring that the fiercely contested project will remain a source of political heat throughout the presidential campaign.

The company also said it would seek immediate permission to move ahead with the southernmost portion of the project, from Cushing, Okla., to the gulf, in the hope that that part of the pipeline could be in service by the end of 2013. As a standalone project, the company said, the Gulf Coast portion of the pipeline would cost $2.3 billion and create about 4,000 construction and support jobs.

In January, President Obama rejected the company's previous application to build the full pipeline, saying a Congressional mandate that he decide on the project by mid-February did not allow adequate time to complete environmental reviews. He said his action was not a final judgment on the project and invited the company to move quickly on the southern part of the 1,700-mile pipeline, which would transport only domestic oil. That part would not cross any international borders and thus would not require special approval from the State Department."

John M. Broder reports for the New York Times February 27, 2012.

SEE ALSO:

"TransCanada Aims To Build Southern Keystone Leg" (Reuters)

"Canadian Firm To Proceed With Southern Leg of Keystone Pipeline" (Los Angeles Times)

"White House Applauds Decision To Build Part Of Keystone XL Pipeline" (McClatchy)

"Keystone XL: White House Backs Pipeline That Will Ship U.S. Oil Overseas" (Huffington Post)