Jen Psaki, White House Press Secretary, stated that President Biden did not take Russian sanctions off the table in light of growing pressure to reduce Russian oil imports due to Putin’s invasion.
Psaki joined “America’s Newsroom” on Tuesday to discuss the Biden Administration’s response to Ukraine’s crisis as it relates energy and moves that the White House is still considering while the Russian attack continues.
Psaki said to Dana Perino, Bill Hemmer that Russia has serious financial problems and this is affecting President Putin and his circle. “What he also considers, however, and this was something we were very aware of, is minimizing the impact on global markets and the American people.”
She continued, “So we haven’t taken options off of the table, even the one you mentioned,” she said.
When asked about reopening Keystone XL Pipeline, Psaki mentioned that a “wide variety of options remain on hand” to reduce energy dependence abroad. This was in line with the president’s concerns regarding energy prices.
Psaki stated that “Keystone pipeline, it would be years before that has an impact on prices.” There are many reasons the president doesn’t like it. But it isn’t working. It would take many years. Oil companies have not yet tapped into 9000 of the approved oil leases.
She continued, “So yes, all of us want to take steps in order to reduce any increase in gas prices that affect the American people.” “But, we need to be clear about which policies will work and which will not.”
Biden will deliver Tuesday’s first State of the Union Address, in which he is expected to address the ongoing crisis affecting Ukraine.
