The Canadian company that has spent years wading through the bureaucratic bog in an effort to build the Keystone XL pipeline has asked the Obama administration to suspend its review of the project. TransCanada asked the State Department to withhold judgment until Nebraska completes its review of the pipeline that could transport petroleum 1,179 miles from Canada’s oil sands to Gulf Coast refineries. Ecofascists opposed to the project say the delay is a political calculation on the part of TransCanada, as this administration’s dislike for the project is evident, and the delay might last until the next administration takes office. For example, Bill McKibben, who co-founded the environmental group 350.org, told CBS News, “In defeat, TransCanada is asking for extra time from the referees, and clearly hoping they’ll get a new head official after the election. It’s time for the current umpire, President Obama, to reject this project once and for all.” Sooner or later, the oil in Canada will be extracted and sold. It might not be right away, as the oil industry is shedding jobs, but sooner or later, that black gold is going to market. The question is whether or not the customer is the U.S. or another country. Currently, the oil sands are the world’s third largest oil reserve, and Canada exports 97% of its energy exports to the U.S. Besides, approving the pipeline is a gesture that could improve relationships with our northern neighbor.

Update: The Obama administration said it will continue the review, which means it will continue the delay until finally killing the request.