Barack Obama Vetoes Keystone XL Pipeline Bill

President Barack Obama vetoed a bill to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline from Canada on Tuesday.

"The presidential power to veto legislation is one I take seriously," Obama said in his veto message to the Senate. "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.

"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," said Obama.

Republicans were supportive of the Keystone XL project because of its potential to be a hub for job creation, but Obama and Democrats have questioned whether the project affects climate change. Environmentalists heavily opposed the project due to carbon emissions, the greenhouses gases blamed for global warming.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the Republican-led Senate would attempt to overturn the veto by next week.