Knudsen, Other States Suing Over Pipeline
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen is leading the charge with 20 other states in suing to overturn President Biden’s cancellation of the Keystone XL pipeline.
Knudsen, a native of Culbertson, said during a national interview on Fox News that Biden is “pandering to coastal elite friends” with the decision to shutdown the pipeline.
“It’s a huge loss for Montana,” Knudsen said during the interview.
He added that the pipeline was going to create almost 4,000 jobs in the state.
“This was a huge project for the state of Montana, let alone other states down the line,” Knudsen said.
Knudsen said that Biden doesn’t have the authority to cancel the pipeline. He notes Article 1, section 8 of the constitution states that foreign and interstate commerce regulation is a power reserved to Congress not for the president.
“President Obama had his chance to veto this back in 2011,” Knudsen told Fox News. “This project was approved by Congress. Only Congress can undo its own act.”
U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., made a statement regarding the lawsuit. “President Biden decided to ignore science, ignore our rural communities and instead side with environmental activists and shut down construction on the Keystone XL pipeline. This Day One action has already cost hardworking Americans their jobs and will cause Montana to lose out on over $60 million in tax revenue. I’m glad to stand with Attorney General Knudsen in support of the Keystone XL pipeline and thankful for his leadership to protect Montana communities and jobs.”
