Ross weighs in on Keystone decision

U.S. Congressman Mike Ross of Prescott on Wednesday criticized President Obama’s decision to reject the permits to construct the Keystone XL Pipeline, which would carry crude oil from Canada to refineries along the Gulf of Mexico and create thousands of jobs in America, while reducing our dependence on oil from places like the Middle East and Venezuela. Ross, who is a member of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, is an ardent supporter of the pipeline and helped pass a bill last year in the House of Representatives to expedite its approval process.

“Last year, the unrest in the oil-rich Middle East and in places like Libya is proof that we have got to reduce our dependence on Middle Eastern oil. It’s a threat to our economy, national security and way of life,” said Ross. “This Canada-to-Gulf pipeline will carry almost one million barrels of oil a day from our North American neighbor and ally in Canada, to refineries on the Gulf, creating jobs here at home and making our nation more energy independent, which is why I’m disappointed the President rejected the project. The pipeline has so far met all of the environmental standards required for its construction and I strongly urge the President to reconsider his decision. If not, I urge the White House to work with all parties involved to find common ground, such as an alternative route, to build this pipeline as safely and as soon as possible.”

Completion of the Keystone XL pipeline would bring about one million barrels of oil per day to U.S. markets. Construction of the pipeline expansion is estimated to directly and indirectly create thousands of U.S. private-sector jobs. In fact, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the Laborers’ International Union of North America, the International Union of Operating Engineers and the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the U.S. and Canada wrote a letter to Congress supporting the pipeline, arguing the project will generate $6.5 billion in income for workers.

Ross worked with Rep. Lee Terry, R-Neb., to help pass a bill in the House Energy & Commerce Committee that would expedite approval of the pipeline, called the North American-Made Energy Security Act, H.R. 1938. The full House of Representatives passed the bill on July 26 with bipartisan support, but the Senate never considered the bill.

“We need jobs and we need jobs now. Building and opening this pipeline are commonsense, straightforward actions our government can take to create private-sector jobs, boost economic development and lower the price of fuel for all Americans,” said Ross. “Our nation must take serious steps to reduce our dependence on oil from OPEC and the Middle East because Americans need a stable, affordable supply of energy. The high costs of gas and other forms of energy continue to make it harder for Arkansas's working families to make ends meet and I will keep working hard in Congress to lower the price at the pump and secure our nation’s long-term energy security.”