It’s not political, it’s ideological.
Obama abhors capitalism.
Energy is capitalism’s lifeblood, therefore he must seize every opportunity to stifle the production, and/or transport of energy.
He is losing union votes perhaps in greater numbers than the gain in enviro votes with this move. So it’s not political.
His words say one thing, his actions another.
I've considered that possibility myself. Logic says you are right because there are a lot more union members than greenies.
But if the motivation was related to keeping the money flow coming from the Solyndra-types then it surely was a political decision. I think that was the case. He risks losing some union votes but puts an insurance policy on some big donations. Follow the money. That's what Obama does.