Hillary Clinton opposes Keystone XL pipeline

Hillary Clinton opposes Keystone XL pipeline

Hillary Clinton said Tuesday she opposes the controversial Keystone XL pipeline, taking sides with progressives who are fighting the 1,179-mile project over environmental concerns.

The announcement, which comes after months of Clinton remaining mum over the hot-button 2016 issue, immediately drew praise from liberals and environmental groups but was criticized by Republican presidential candidates.

"I think it is imperative that we look at the Keystone pipeline as what I believe it is -- a distraction from important work we have to do on climate change," Clinton told a community forum in Des Moines, Iowa.

"And unfortunately from my perspective, one that interferes with our ability to move forward with all the other issues," she said. "Therefore I oppose it."

The Democratic 2016 front-runner announced her opposition to the project -- which is still the subject of a years-long State Department review -- as Pope Francis landed in the United States, dominating national media attention.

"I think it is imperative that we look at the Keystone pipeline as what I believe it is -- a distraction from important work we have to do on climate change," Clinton said

Clinton says decision on Keystone pipeline coming 'soon'

Clinton had not previously disclosed her position on the campaign trail despite consistent questions about her position on the project, which is widely favoured by conservatives but opposed by liberals who believe it will contribute to climate change. In explaining her answer Tuesday, Clinton said she didn't want to interfere with a review process that started under her watch.

"I was in a unique position as secretary of state at the start of this process, and not wanting to interfere with ongoing decision-making that the President and Secretary (of State John) Kerry have to do in order to make whatever final decisions they need," Clinton said. "So I thought this would be decided by now, and therefore I could tell you whether I agree or disagree, but it hasn't been decided, and I feel now I've got a responsibility to you and voters who ask me about this."

Speaking to the Des Moines Register's editorial board after the event, Clinton said she had "no idea" she would be asked about the pipeline Tuesday.