02.13.15

Hoeven Statement on Enrollment of S.1, Legislation That Will Approve the Keystone XL Pipeline

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement on the enrollment of his Keystone XL pipeline approval bill, which has now passed both the Senate and the House. The bill uses Congress’s authority under the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution to approve the project:

“The Keystone XL pipeline project is about jobs and economic growth, but it is also about national security through energy security. It’s about a forward-thinking strategy to produce more energy in our country than we use so that we can defend ourselves and our interests without the risk of being held hostage to OPEC and other hostile nations.

“The American people understand this, and they have made their will clear, both through their elected representatives, and through numerous polls that reflect their strong support for the project. Every state along the pipeline’s route has approved it, and the State Department has repeatedly said it will have no significant impact on the environment.

“President Obama needs to work with Congress to make a long-term strategic decision that will help to improve our economy, create jobs and make our country more secure. Approving the Keystone XL project is another important step toward our declaration of energy independence. 

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