The American people and the Congress are now growing increasingly frustrated with President Obama’s failure to approve the Keystone Pipeline. Even after Nebraska Governor Dave Heinemann approved a new route this year that ameliorated environmental concerns, the administrations has remained silent. While the country is in the midst of the slowest economic recovery on record, this President has refused to approve a project that has overwhelming bi-partisan support and could help kick start the economy.
“It has been MORE THAN FOUR YEARS since backers of the Keystone XL pipeline first submitted an application to the U.S. State Department on September 19, 2008, to build this energy infrastructure project and bring jobs and greater energy security to America. Congress has demanded action — how much longer will President Obama make us wait?”
Keystone XL Fast Facts:
• According to the Department of Energy, Keystone XL would be able to move up to 830,000 barrels of oil per day. This represents about half the amount the U.S. imports from the Middle East.
• TransCanada estimates it will spend $7 billion in the U.S. to build the pipeline and 20,000 jobs would be directly created from the pipeline’s construction.
• Keystone XL would generate much needed tax revenue in several states and collectively boost Gross State Product by billions of dollars.
• By delaying approval of the pipeline, President Obama is providing China with an opportunity to out-compete the U.S. and gain access to Canada’s rich oil supply.
• Several labor unions have endorsed the project and criticized the president’s decision to reject American jobs.
• Even Chris Matthews described President Obama’s rejection of Keystone XL as a “mistake.”
The continual delay of the Keystone Pipeline sadly confirms this President’s desire to place politics above jobs and energy security, things that this country could surely use right now.