Vigils are being held across the country Tuesday, including in Eugene, to show opposition to the Keystone XL Pipeline. This week the U.S. Senate could approve legislation for the pipeline. President Barack Obama has indicated he will veto it.
The pipeline would move heavy crude from Canada's tar sands region through the U.S. to the Texas Gulf Coast. Supporters say it will create jobs and lower fuel prices.
Debra McGee is an activist with the No KXL Pipeline group in Lane County. She says they want Congress and the President to focus on clean energy projects.
McGee: "Even though many states and many of our elected officials talk about recognizing that we have to reduce the carbon pollution, the grip of the fossil fuel industry and the money that it puts into our political system, seem to overcome reason and logic."
The Eugene vigil urging President Obama to reject the Keystone XL Pipeline is from 5-6 p.m. Tuesday. It takes place in front of the Wayne Morse Federal Courthouse.