[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 23 (Friday, February 3, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Page 5614]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-2615]


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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice: 7786]


In the Matter of the Keystone XL Pipeline

    This notice is to inform the public that the Department of State 
has denied the Application of TransCanada Keystone Pipeline, L.P. for a 
Presidential Permit Authorizing the Construction, Operation, and 
Maintenance of Pipeline Facilities for the Importation of Crude Oil to 
be located at the United States-Canada Border, received by the 
Department of State on September 19, 2008, as directed by the 
Presidential Memorandum for the Secretary of State Implementing 
Provisions of the Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011 
Relating to the Keystone XL Pipeline Permit, dated January 18, 2012. 
The full text of the Presidential Memorandum is as follows:

Presidential Memorandum--Implementing Provisions of the Temporary 
Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011 Relating to the Keystone XL 
Pipeline Permit

MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE

SUBJECT: Implementing Provisions of the Temporary Payroll Tax Cut 
Continuation Act of 2011 Relating to the Keystone XL Pipeline Permit

    The Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011 requires 
a determination, within 60 days of enactment, of whether the 
Keystone XL pipeline project as set forth in the permit application 
filed on September 19, 2008 (including amendments) (the ``Keystone 
XL pipeline project'') would serve the national interest. The State 
Department had previously explained, on November 10, 2011, that it 
was seeking additional information concerning whether that project 
served the national interest, as necessary to grant the permit. 
Based on its experience and in order to consider relevant 
environmental issues and the consequences of the project on energy 
security, the economy, and foreign policy, the State Department 
indicated that its review could be complete as early as the first 
quarter of 2013.
    I have determined, based upon your recommendation, including the 
State Department's view that 60 days is an insufficient period to 
obtain and assess the necessary information, that the Keystone XL 
pipeline project, as presented and analyzed at this time, would not 
serve the national interest.
    Accordingly, by the authority vested in me as President by the 
Constitution and the laws of the United States including section 301 
of title 3, United States Code, and in furtherance of Executive 
Order 13337 of April 30, 2004 to the extent compatible with this 
memorandum, I direct you to submit the report to the Congress as 
specified in section 501(b)(2) of the Temporary Payroll Tax Cut 
Continuation Act of 2011 and to issue a denial of the Keystone XL 
pipeline permit application.
    This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any 
right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or 
in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, 
agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any 
other person.
    You are hereby authorized and directed to publish this 
memorandum in the Federal Register.

BARACK OBAMA

Issued in Washington DC on February 1, 2012.

    Dated: February 1, 2012.
George Sibley,
Director, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and 
Scientific Affairs/Office of Environmental Policy, U.S. Department of 
State.
[FR Doc. 2012-2615 Filed 2-2-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-09-P