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U.S. State department raises no red flags on Keystone XL

The U.S. State Department has finally released its final environmental report on the Keystone XL oil sands pipeline.

It says building the pipeline would actually result in fewer greenhouse gas emissions than not building it, because oil would be shipped by rail instead.

Federal energy minister Joe Oliver says he welcomes the report.

“This isn’t a day for frustration or exasperation,” he said. “This is a positive step on the route to approval, and we’re pleased to see it move towards completion.”

The report also says that one project is unlikely to affect how quickly the oil sands are extracted.

Federal energy minister Joe Oliver says the stage is now set for President Barack Obama’s final sign-off.

“The state department has reaffirmed its previous conclusions,” he said, “so I think the time is ready for a decision once they complete their ninety-day review.”

During that review, other parts of the US government like the Environmental Protection Agency can comment on the report.