Bernie Sanders Calls Out Hillary Clinton For Refusing To Take A Stand Against Keystone XL

Last updated on September 25th, 2023 at 01:44 pm

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Sen. Bernie Sanders is calling out Hillary Clinton for being concerned about climate change, but refusing to take a stand against Keystone XL.

In a statement, Sen. Sanders said:

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We have to address the planetary crisis of climate change and there is no question that we must move aggressively toward energy efficiency and the development of sustainable energy sources such as wind, solar, geothermal and biomass. That is why I have introduced legislation that would create 10 million solar rooftops on homes and businesses in the United States. So I agree with Secretary Clinton about the need for substantial investment in sustainable energy.

But that is not enough. We must make significant reductions in carbon emissions and break our dependency on fossil fuels. That is why I have helped lead the fight in the Senate against the Keystone pipeline which would transport some of the dirtiest fossil fuel in the world.

It is hard for me to understand how one can be concerned about climate change but not vigorously oppose the Keystone pipeline.

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The reason the candidacy of Bernie Sanders is so good for the Democratic Party is that he is pushing former Sec. Clinton to clarify her positions. If Clinton were running unopposed for the Democratic nomination, she would be able to answer questions in any manner that she pleased.

Bernie Sanders is forcing the Democratic Party to debate the issues. Hillary Clinton is running an effective primary campaign, but she does have one eye on the potential general election matchup with the Republican nominee.

Clinton’s answer that she isn’t going to second-guess the president before he makes his decision is reasonable, but President Obama has given plenty of hints about his opposition to the pipeline. Obama has already vetoed one Keystone XL bill, so the door is wide open for Clinton to voice her opposition to the pipeline.

Clinton gave a great speech outlining a major policy step forward on climate change, so loudly voicing opposition to Keystone XL seems like a logical next step.

Bernie Sanders is challenging Hillary Clinton on the issues, and setting up the kind of spirited debate that will only help the Democratic Party in 2016.



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