The Secretary of State has the authority to issue Presidential Permits for cross-border liquid (water as well as petroleum product) pipelines and other cross-border infrastructure.
http://www.state.gov/e/enr/applicant/index.htm
I see that as a clear statement; they have the authority.
I agree that on THIS pipeline, they have done a CYA recommendation, but that is not how the rules are written, nor has been done on past projects. But following the rules is not a strong point of this administration.
I suspect at this point, neither of us are going to convince they other. God Bless.
The only authority they have is what the WH gives them. They don't have the authority to make a decision on the Keystone Pipeline. The President has clearly arrogated that decision to himself.
I agree that on THIS pipeline, they have done a CYA recommendation, but that is not how the rules are written, nor has been done on past projects. But following the rules is not a strong point of this administration.
LOL. Please, it is not a CYA recommendation. The President will make the decision or non-decision. Whatever the State Department does is at the direction of the President. The State Department is not a free agent. It works for the President. Maybe you have more insight into how this process works since I only have 28 years working for the State Department and 36 years total as a federal employee.
I suspect at this point, neither of us are going to convince they other.
I confirm your observation.