Alberta trade envoy says there is still hope for Keystone XL oilsands pipeline

CALGARY - Alberta's trade envoy to Washington says there is still hope for the proposed $7-billion Keystone XL oilsands pipeline.

But Dave Bronconnier says the fate of the stalled project won't change until after the November U.S. federal elections.

Speaking on a radio show, the former Calgary mayor said Americans remain divided over the plan to ship oilsands crude from Alberta to refineries on the Gulf Coast.

Bronconnier says he continues to sell the point that the pipeline would provide the U.S. with a secure supply of oil and spur its economy and create needed jobs.

But he says there are still lots of people who fear the pipeline would cause environmental harm and want the U.S. to wean itself off fossil fuels.

Last month, the Obama administration rejected a permit for the controversial project, but TransCanada (TSX:TRP) is expected to apply for a new one using a different route.

(CHQR, CHED, The Canadian Press)