Approve the Keystone Pipeline
It's very rare that Washington has a chance to do something which will help to create thousands of jobs, and decrease energy prices, at no cost to taxpayers. You would think that a deal like that would sail through Congress and be signed quickly by the President. However in Washington, common sense often takes a back seat to politics.
The Keystone XL Pipeline project would be a 36-inch pipeline running 1,600 miles from Canada to Texas. It would transport oil from supply fields in Alberta and North Dakota to refineries on the Gulf Coast.
Construction of the pipeline would quickly create thousands of jobs for pipefitters, welders, mechanics, and electricians among others. That does not count the hundreds of other jobs that would be created for manufacturers or for the local businesses along the route.
Not only would the pipeline create jobs, but it would reduce our dependence on unstable foreign oil supplies and decrease energy prices. In fact, one Department of Energy analysis concludes that it would essentially eliminate our dependence on Middle East oil.
This summer, a State Department review of the pipeline said there would be limited environmental impact. Yet, the President has delayed the final okay until after the election. The administration should approve the Keystone Pipeline without delay.
H.R. 3630 requires the President to approve the pipeline or tell Congress why it's not in our national interest. We should not wait for an election to create thousands of good-paying jobs.
Sincerely,
