There were more than 2,000 other people there who shared my concern over the increasing pollution of our environment resulting from the refining of tar sands oil. This was just one rally among many across our nation with thousands of Americans demonstrating their opposition to the Keystone XL pipeline project and their dire concern of the negative impact of climate change on our environment. I am a grandmother and am wanting a safe environment for my grandchildren.

I was, therefore, greatly disappointed to read last week the State Department's statement on the pipeline project which utterly downplayed the negative impact of the Keystone XL project. I will know, without doubt, that the money and power of the oil industry means more to the administration than the will and health of the American people if President Obama endorses this project.

MARY ANN REYNOLDS

Merced