Rep. Rick Allen Applauds Approval of Keystone XL Legislation in CongressUrges the President to Reconsider Veto Threat
Washington,
February 11, 2015
U.S. Congressman Rick Allen (R-Ga.-12) today applauded action by the House to pass S.1, the Keystone XL Pipeline Approval Act. The legislation immediately authorizing construction and operation of the Keystone XL pipeline recently passed the Senate and will now be sent to the President, who has threatened to veto the measure. Congressman Allen released the following statement: “For more than six years, the Keystone XL pipeline has been stalled, and today Congress acted to approve this bipartisan infrastructure project for America’s economy and energy security. At a time when millions of Americans are struggling, the Keystone XL pipeline will create tens of thousands of jobs and help lower energy prices for families. In addition to the growth and billions in revenue it will spur for our economy, this project is critical to enhancing America’s energy resources and reducing our dependence on oil from the Middle East. This is a real opportunity for the President to work with Congress on a bipartisan solution that benefits Americans, boosts our economy and strengthens our energy independence. I hope he will reconsider his threat to veto this jobs bill when it comes to his desk and instead sign it into law so construction of the Keystone XL pipeline can finally begin.” Prior to the House’s passage of the bill, Congressman Allen spoke on the House floor about the numerous benefits of the Keystone XL pipeline. He also called on the President to reconsider his threat to veto legislation approving the project. Video of his remarks can be viewed HERE or by clicking the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZeOgnBisYA&feature=youtu.be The Keystone XL pipeline would move 830,000 barrels of oil per day from the oil sands region of Alberta, Canada, and U.S. crude from the Bakken oil fields being developed in North Dakota and Montana. The project is estimated to support approximately 42,000 jobs in the construction phase and yield $2 billion in earnings throughout the United States, while also reducing oil imports from the Middle East. The project has been under review for more than six years, with five favorable environmental reports by the U.S. State Department completed to date. |