Alberta not surprised by Keystone XL veto

Stressing the debate over the Keystone XL oil pipeline isn't over, Alberta Premier Jim Prentice said he wasn't surprised by a veto from the White House.

President Barack Obama made good on his pledge to veto legislation the White House said circumvents the normal vetting procedures for the pipeline planned to cross the U.S.-Canadian border.

"Because this act of Congress conflicts with established executive branch procedures and cuts short thorough consideration of issues that could bear on our national interest -- including our security, safety, and environment -- it has earned my veto," the president said in a statement Tuesday.

The Republican-led Congress that took its seat in January said passing legislation to approve construction of Keystone XL, offered for U.S. federal consideration more than six years ago, was job No. 1. The pipeline has become a scapegoat for U.S. energy policies, with backers touting its energy and economic benefits, while detractors say it's too environmentally risky to support.

Prentice said he was disappointed, but not surprised, by the veto. Nevertheless, he said, Alberta was a good environmental steward, noting Keystone XL would advance the regional energy and economic progress.

"The debate will continue and, just as I did during my recent visit to Washington, I will continue to communicate Alberta's record as a safe, secure and reliable energy supplier, and our strong support for Keystone XL and for all infrastructure projects that advance North America's energy interests," he said in a Tuesday statement.

Prentice was in Washington in early February advocating for the pipeline's approval.

An executive order gives the U.S. State Department vetting power over the pipeline and the Environmental Protection Agency said recently further considerations should be given because previous studies on the pipeline were conducted in a different economic climate.