Clinton on Keystone XL Oil Pipeline: 'I Oppose It'

For the first time, Hillary Clinton has revealed her position on the controversial Keystone XL pipeline: "I oppose it." Clinton made the announcement today after months of avoiding giving a definitive statement on the potential oil pipeline from Texas to Canada, Politico reports. "I think it is imperative that we look at the Keystone pipeline as what I believe it is, a distraction from important work we have to do on climate change," Clinton says. According to NBC News, Clinton had been holding off on giving her opinion on the project until the Obama administration officially weighed in, but got tired of waiting. The State Department is still reviewing the pipeline.

Clinton's opposition to the pipeline, which opponents say will spring harmful leaks and increase carbon emissions, was met with praise from environmentalists. “This is exactly the kind of leadership we need in order to leave a healthy planet for our children and grandchildren,” a member of the League of Conservation Voters Action Fund tells Politico. However at least one of her Democratic primary opponents wonders what took so long, according to NBC. "On issue after issue ... Secretary Clinton has followed—not forged—public opinion," Martin O'Malley says. "Leadership is about stating where you stand on critical issues, regardless of how they poll or focus group." Supporters of the pipeline say it will create jobs with a minimum of environmental risk. (More Hillary Clinton stories.)