'Activism Works!': Obama's Keystone XL Veto Is a Victory for Climate Movement

Late Tuesday, President Obama vetoed a bill sent to his desk by Congress that would have approved the Keystone XL pipeline for construction. Only the third veto of his presidency, Obama sent a short veto message to the Congress in about his action:

I am returning herewith without my approval S. 1, the "Keystone XL Pipeline Approval Act."  Through this bill, the United States Congress attempts to circumvent longstanding and proven processes for determining whether or not building and operating a cross-border pipeline serves the national interest.

The Presidential power to veto legislation is one I take seriously.  But I also take seriously my responsibility to the American people. And 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.

Environmental activists applauded the move. “After four years of rallies, marches, sit-ins, and civil disobedience, we’re thrilled to see President Obama take an important first step by vetoing this love letter to Big Oil,” said May Boeve of 350.org, saying that it was “conclusive proof that activism works.”