In an interview with The New York Times, President Barack Obama questioned whether the controversial Keystone XL Pipeline will create as many jobs as supporters claim.

Obama said construction will support 2,000 jobs. But he told the Times that operation of the pipeline will only create 50 to 100 jobs.

"Well, look, they might like to see 2,000 jobs initially. But that is a blip relative to the need," Obama said.

Obama also confirmed that Secretary of State John Kerry plays a major role in determining whether to approve the Keystone XL permit. The State Department recently hired Jack Jackson Jr., a member of the Navajo Nation, to reach out to Indian Country on the matter.

"[A]ll of that will go into the mix in terms of John Kerry’s decision or recommendation on this issue," Obama told the Times.

The pipeline route starts in Canada, crosses the border and runs through eight states. Tribes oppose the project due to concerns about water, environment and treaty lands.

Get the Story:
Obama Says He’ll Evaluate Pipeline Project Depending on Pollution (The New York Times 7/28)
The Fact Checker: President Obama’s low-ball estimate for Keystone XL jobs (The Washington Post 7/30)

Related Stories:
Albert Bender: Tribes prepare to battle Keystone XL Pipeline (07/22)
Navajo man to serve as Native liaison for State Department (07/01)
Native Sun News: Moccasins on the Ground battles Keystone (06/17)
Native Sun News: Tribes take action to stop Keystone XL bid (05/29)