President Obama has rejected an oil pipeline that would go from Canada to the Gulf Coast, drawing an objection from Rep. Bill Owens, Mr. Obama's fellow Democrat.

“With conflicts overseas driving up prices at the pump and so many Americans out looking for work, I am deeply disappointed that the White House has formally rejected the Keystone XL pipeline permit,” Mr. Owens said. “As we work toward a long-term renewable energy program, beginning construction on the Keystone pipeline is the right short-term solution for the nation's energy concerns and putting Americans back to work.

Mr. Owens's likely Republican opponent, Matt Doheny, criticized Mr. Owens for voting against the pipeline, but there's some vital context to that vote.

The approval was part of a bill that also included Medicare hospital cuts that were unpalatable to Mr. Owens.

UPDATE:

In a statement, Mr. Doheny criticizes Mr. Owens for his disapproval of the pipeline rejection.

“President Obama and our current congressmen Bill Owens work from the same playbook," Mr. Doheny said. "They love to say they support something, only to change their minds when it comes to crunch time."

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