It’s Time to Build Keystone XL

For the past five years, progress has stalled on the Keystone XL pipeline, which would transfer crude oil from Alberta, Canada to the Gulf Coast. In fact, this proposed pipeline would reach my district, creating job opportunities for my constituents. If built, Keystone XL would spur economic development, lower our nation’s energy costs, and give more Americans the opportunity to work in the energy sector.

Six years ago, TransCanada first applied for a permit to construct this pipeline. In 2010, the Canadian National Energy Board then approved their permit after a two-year delay. Ultimately, in 2011, Congress passed legislation asking the Obama administration to approve TransCanada’s application, 60 days after it was passed. Unfortunately, President Obama rejected their application in 2012.         

During this current legislative session, there has been more progress on the pipeline in the House than the Senate. Last May, 240 congressmen and I voted for H.R. 3, the “Northern Route Approval Act,” which passed the House. This legislation, sponsored by Congressman Lee Terry (R-NE), would not require a presidential permit to approve the pipeline and would approve the Secretary of State’s 2011 environmental impact statement about the pipeline.

However, in the Senate, there has been minimal progress on Keystone XL. Currently, S. 2280, “A bill to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline,” was recently introduced by Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) and placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar on May 5th. It contains similar provisions to those listed in H.R. 3.  A vote is expected to come up on this legislation soon, but unfortunately, it will most likely not pass the Senate for political purposes.

A Rasmussen Reports telephone survey released on April 23rd found that 61% of Americans support the construction of this pipeline. Since most Americans believe this pipeline should be built, members of Congress should listen to their constituents instead of playing politics to satisfy the Obama administration.

Many Americans are still struggling to find work. This pipeline would give more Americans the opportunity to work in the energy sector and provide for themselves and their families. It’s time for Congress to give TransCanada the green light on Keystone XL.