(Washington, D.C.) - Montana's senior U.S. Senator Max Baucus issued the following statement in response to the U.S. State Department's newly released Environmental Impact Statement:

"I'm pleased to see the Keystone project clear this important hurdle because the pipeline will support Montana jobs and help ease our dependence on Middle-East oil. I am currently reviewing the State Department's Environmental Impact Statement and will continue to keep a close eye on the process to make sure safety and stewardship of our natural resources remain top priorities. The bottom line is we must get serious about an energy policy that puts America in the driver's seat while bringing much-needed jobs to Montana."

 While Baucus has been a supporter of making sure the Keystone pipeline project is not subject to unncessary red tape or unscientific barriers, he has also fought to make sure the environmental and safety concerns along with greater opportunities for public comment remain cornerstones of the process. Baucus is urging Montanans to share their comments on the State Department's Keystone Pipeline environmental review to be included in the administrative record.

How to make your voice heard:

• Public Meeting - Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Dawson Community College

Toepke Center Auditorium

300 Community Drive

Glendive, Montana 59330

4:30 pm - 10:00 pm

• Comments can also be submitted:

-Online at www.keystonepipeline-xl.state.gov

-By email at keystonexl-nid@cardno.com

-Via fax to 206-269-0098

-By mail to the following address:

Alexander Yuan

Keystone XL EIS Project

P.O. Box 96503-98500

Washington, D.C. 20090-6503

In order for comments to be considered they must be submitted by midnight on October 9, 2011. Additional information on submitting public comment can be found here.

Contact: Kate Downen 406-224-5056/Jenny Donohue 202-224-2651/Kathy Weber 406-329-3123

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