General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Breaking: Pres Obama's Press Sec, Josh Earnest, says he Will VETO any Legislation to Force Approval [View all]branford
(4,462 posts)and, at the very least, expect another vote with the new far more Republican heavy Congress early next year that may have a veto proof majority for Keystone, particularly since it's approval is about 65%, with significant union support.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/07/keystone-xl-poll_n_4919025.html
It's also quite possible that this Congress will attach Keystone approval to a must pass spending resolution necessary to keep the government running. If such a spending law passes with likely large bipartisan support, any veto would make Obama responsible for a government shutdown around Christmas to prevent the nationally popular pipeline. Such a showdown would be politically disastrous for Obama and could even then provide a veto-proof majority during the lame duck session.
The cynic in me thinks the veto threat is little more than simple posturing for the environmentalist wing of the party and sop to part of the base after our election losses. He might also possibly try to get some sweeteners concerning other environmental legislation or promise to delay a funding battle with the new Congress over the EPA.