Key Environmental Groups Endorse Obama, Energy Pivotal Issue in 2012, Keystone on Legislative Front Burner

Today, President Obama will receive endorsements from the Sierra Club, League of Conservation Voters, Clean Water Action and Environment America. The announcement on a 9 a.m. conference call with these key environmental groups.

According to a poll by the Pew Research Center, President Obama's lead over Mitt Romney stands at 49 percent to 45 percent, which, of course, at this early date, is very fluid.   Interestingly, however. sixty-one percent of voters said energy was "very important" to their vote, while 51 percent say the environment is “very important” for them at the ballot box.  Not surprisingly, Obama has a huge 68-29 edge with these environmentally-minded voters.  We'll see how much energy/environment matters in the real election as 86% say the economy is "very important" to them. 

Speaking of politics, the Republicans continue to keep Keystone XL oil pipeline on the legislative agenda as this is an election priority for them.  The House is slated to vote on legislation extending transportation programs, a bill that also mandates federal approval of the TransCanada Corp.’s project to bring oil sands from Alberta, Canada, to Gulf Coast refineries.  The Obama Admininistration has threatened to veto the bill if it passes the House  (likely) and the Senate (unlikely).