Sen. Collins' Statement On Vote To Approve Keystone XL Pipeline
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins released this statement after announcing her intention to vote in favor of bipartisan legislation to approve construction of the Keystone XL pipeline:
“We must develop reasonable policies to advance the goal of energy independence for our nation, help ensure access to safe, reliable, and affordable energy solutions for American families and businesses, and work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“More than six years ago, TransCanada's application for a permit was filed with the U.S. State Department to build the Keystone XL pipeline, which would transport crude oil from Canada to refineries in the United States. The environmental reviews and studies have been completed, and it is past time for the President to have made a decision.
“Canada has made clear it will develop this resource. I would much rather see our nation receive and refine the oil from our close ally than have it shipped overseas to Asia. Canada is our nation's largest trading partner, and this pipeline, constructed at the highest safety standards, would create thousands of jobs in our two nations—both in building the pipeline and in the refining of crude oil, one reason why many labor unions support its construction.
“This is also a matter of national security. This pipeline would help further reduce our reliance on oil from volatile regions of the world, an essential component for our energy security particularly given the ongoing strife in the Middle East. Moreover, if construction of the pipeline continues to be blocked, the oil would instead be moved by other modes of transportation, such as ships or trains, each of which carry their own risks for accidents, spills, and harmful emissions.”
“We must develop reasonable policies to advance the goal of energy independence for our nation, help ensure access to safe, reliable, and affordable energy solutions for American families and businesses, and work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“More than six years ago, TransCanada's application for a permit was filed with the U.S. State Department to build the Keystone XL pipeline, which would transport crude oil from Canada to refineries in the United States. The environmental reviews and studies have been completed, and it is past time for the President to have made a decision.
“Canada has made clear it will develop this resource. I would much rather see our nation receive and refine the oil from our close ally than have it shipped overseas to Asia. Canada is our nation's largest trading partner, and this pipeline, constructed at the highest safety standards, would create thousands of jobs in our two nations—both in building the pipeline and in the refining of crude oil, one reason why many labor unions support its construction.
“This is also a matter of national security. This pipeline would help further reduce our reliance on oil from volatile regions of the world, an essential component for our energy security particularly given the ongoing strife in the Middle East. Moreover, if construction of the pipeline continues to be blocked, the oil would instead be moved by other modes of transportation, such as ships or trains, each of which carry their own risks for accidents, spills, and harmful emissions.”
