Federal, state leaders condemn Keystone delay

HELENA (AP) — Montana officials are condemning a new delay in the decision whether to approve construction of an oil pipeline from Canada.

The U.S. State Department said Friday it is giving federal agencies more time to review the Keystone XL pipeline.

Part of the pipeline would run through Montana, and reaction was swift from Democrats and Republicans.

Democratic U.S. Sen John Walsh called on President Barack Obama to show leadership and end the uncertainty by making a decision.

Republican U.S. Rep. Steve Daines, who is Walsh's likely opponent in November's Senate election, accused the Obama administration of basing its decision on politics.

Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock says the pipeline has been pending for five years and that Montana's economy would grind to a halt if he made decisions that way.