Brooklyn, N.Y. – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke released the following statement on her opposition to the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline, which the House of Representatives voted 252 to 161 to approve. Congresswoman Clarke voted “no.”

“At a time when we have the ability to invest in renewable energy technology that will allow the United States economy to succeed in the Twenty-First Century, I cannot accept a decision that threatens our environment with contamination and that we cannot reverse in the future. What will future generations thank of us if, for temporary benefits, we exchange the health of our people and the beauty of nature? In addition, I am concerned about this attempt by Congress to circumvent the authority of President Obama and the Department of State, to which TransCanada, a corporation based in Calgary, Alberta, has applied for a permit to build the Keystone XL Pipeline.”