Premier Jim Prentice 'disappointed' after U.S. Senate rejects Keystone bill

Alberta premier Jim Prentice said that he is disappointed the U.S. Senate rejected a motion onthe Keystone XL pipeline.

Democrats stoppedthe bill from passing through the chamber by a vote of 59 to 41. Sixtyvotes were needed to invokecloture.

However, Prentice said that he is looking towards the newSenate that will be sworn-in January.

• Keystone XL pipeline bill rejected by U.S. Senate
• Keystone bill passes U.S. House, moves on to Senate

Im certain that the process will carry on at that point in a Senate thats more clearly dominated by Republicans, Prentice said in Edmonton shortly after the vote on Tuesday.

Prentice sees todays vote as a step along the way and not the end of the process.

I continue to be optimistic as this works forward," he said. "I cant predict what will happen in the U.S. legislative process or the timing but I think theres never been more bipartisan support, its never been stronger and I find that very encouraging.

Prentice said approval of theKeystone project is in the best interests of Canada and the United States.Prentice plans to head to Washington in January to meet with legislators. No dates have yet been set.