One Democratic congressman is so opposed to the Keystone XL Pipeline that he wouldn’t vote for it even if his party got a minimum-wage bump from Republicans in exchange.
“I wouldn’t make that trade,” Rep. Keith Ellison, Minnesota Democrat, told MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” of a hypothetical raise to $9.50 per hour.
Senate Democrats late Tuesday filibustered a measure to green-light the contentious oil pipeline from Canada to the Gulf Coast, potentially dooming the chances of party colleague Sen. Mary Landrieu of Louisiana and underscoring the power of the pro-environment caucus.
Republicans vowed to put President Obama’s veto pen to the test by resurrecting the measure when they take control of Congress in January.
Mr. Ellison, pressed on whether Canada would pull the tar sands oil out of the ground, anyway, and transport it in less climate-friendly ways, said it is not up to the U.S. to help them out.
“Why don’t they just go through Vancouver if it’s such an awesome idea?” Mr. Ellison said.
SEE ALSO: Keystone XL pipeline: Senate Democrats filibuster, stiff Mary Landrieu for green lobby
The congressman said while the U.S. should produce its own energy, he wants the country to broaden the tent.
“China’s leading the world in renewables, we need to be doing the same thing,” he said.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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