AUSTIN — Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples commented on the decision to deny the permit to build the Keystone Pipeline.

“Denying Americans this reliable oil source also denies American jobs and energy security at a time when our country needs them most,” Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples said. “Through responsible pipeline development, we can protect private property owners’ rights, protect the environment and provide the energy resources our nation desperately needs.

“At a time when we need private sector investment and hiring in our country, our President is closing the doors of opportunity. Texas farmers and ranchers also will suffer from this unreasonable decision as agriculture producers depend on low-cost energy to be competitive. 

“This policy fails Texas, the United States and our neighbors in Canada. Furthermore, this decision increases our dependence on energy from an increasingly unstable part of the world.”