The US House of Representatives passed legislation Friday, H.R. 5682, by a vote of 252-161-1, to clear the way for construction of the Keystone XL pipeline which has been delayed for nearly five years due to bureaucratic hurdles. The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), which represents three-quarters of American steelmakers, applauded the vote as a significant win for North American energy security and manufacturing. The Senate is expected to vote on the measure next week.
“The Keystone XL pipeline will have substantial benefits to the economic and energy future of the U.S. Completing it will help create more than 42,000 jobs nationwide and $2 billion in new economic growth. This pipeline is an opportunity for President Obama to show leadership and commitment to our nation’s energy independence and job creation. If the Administration is serious about creating jobs, here is an easy way to do it,” said Thomas J. Gibson, president and CEO of AISI.
“Steel products play a significant role in the Keystone XL pipeline, as well as other key energy projects. Steel pipe and tube products form the essential infrastructure for producing oil and gas natural resources, transmitting them to processers, and then getting them to final customers. Pipelines have long been recognized as one of the safest, most reliable and well- regulated ways to move crude oil and petroleum products and should remain an important part of the nation’s energy infrastructure,” he said.
Gibson said the Keystone XL pipeline has undergone a lengthy review process by the federal government over the past six years and has the strong support of a many members of Congress, organized labor, hundreds of mayors, veterans and businesses across America.