Bill McKibben, leading environmentalist and founder of 350.org, said, "It's unlikely the Senate will take another vote on Keystone XL, but then again, one can't underestimate the corrupting influence of the money Big Oil is pumping into Capitol Hill."

Despite the vote that blocked TransCanada from a permit to cross the border between Canada and the U.S., the company announced plans to build the half of the pipeline that runs from Oklahoma to Texas. This will not permit TransCanada to bring new tar sands oil across the Canadian border, but will impact communities along the southern half of the route. The company also announced plans to reapply for a permit to cross the border.

According to 350.org, the senators who voted in favor of the pipeline have received $27,552,302 from fossil fuel industries, on average 3 times more than those voting against it. The organization remains committed to opposing TransCanada's ongoing attempts to gain a permit to pump one of the dirtiest forms of fossil fuels from Canada down to Texas to be refined.

Thanks to all the GBN members who continue to oppose the Keystone XL tar sands oil pipeline. Read our latest blog post about the ongoing issue.