Washington, February 4 (RHC)-- The Environmental Protection Agency has warned the Keystone XL pipeline would fuel climate change by increasing oil production in the Canadian tar sands.

An earlier U.S. State Department analysis found the pipeline would not have an impact, because the oil would be transported through other means. But the EPA concludes the recent drop in oil prices means much of the oil would otherwise remain in the ground. It estimates the pipeline could increase greenhouse gas emissions by about as much as eight new coal-fired power plants.

U.S. President Barack Obama has said climate change will play a key Role in his final decision on whether to approve the pipeline.