WASHINGTON The Canadian government has accused a U.S. federal agency of a dishonest intervention in the Keystone XL pipeline debate, voicing its displeasure in a combative diplomatic letter.
Ambassador Gary Doer said the Environmental Protection Agency used out-of-date data, worst-case scenarios, and erroneous comparisons in its submission on the pipeline.
``One is left with the conclusion that there has been significant distortion and omission to arrive at the EPA's conclusion,'' Doer wrote in a letter sent to Secretary of State John Kerry, the cabinet member in charge of the file.
The missive was released as the pipeline saga opened a new chapter Wednesday: the U.S. Congress passed a pro-Keystone bill for the first time, setting the stage for a possible showdown with the Obama administration.
Doer urged the administration to consider the project on its merits _ and treat the EPA claims with skepticism.