In response to recent allegations from critics of the Keystone Pipeline review process, the State Department’s inspector general released a report concluding that the department followed appropriate guidelines in its selection of contractor Environmental Resources Management.  

National Journal : “However, the report also finds that the ‘process for documenting the contractor-selection process, including the conflict-of-interest review, can be improved.’”  

The report states: “In the case of concerns raised about ERM’s alleged lack of objectivity because current ERM staff had previously worked for TransCanada and other oil and pipeline companies, OIG found that the department’s conflict of interest review was effective and that the review’s conclusions were reasonable.”  

Rep. Raul M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) disagrees, arguing that the OIG report “is an important example of the problem. The I.G. only looked at whether the department followed its existing process for choosing a contractor. It should have looked at whether that process produces reliable outcomes.”  

“Keystone is about more than one pipeline. It is about establishing once and for all whether we have moved on from the disastrous Bush-Cheney view of environmental policy. President Obama’s own Environmental Protection Agency has said in no uncertain terms that the pipeline will contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. That should be the end of the conversation.”  

Crossposted at Wonk Wire.