The Keystone XL Energy Pipeline

The Keystone XL Energy Pipeline is a proposed crude oil pipeline that is 36 inches in diameter and 1,700 miles long that would extend from Alberta, Canada to the Gulf Coast of the United States. The constuction of the pipeline would create more than 20,000 direct jobs and 118,000 indirect jobs while battling the high cost of gas. Once operating, the pipeline would contribute an additional $5.2 billion in property taxes to communities along the route during the life of the pipeline.

A three-year environmental review of the proposed pipeline was conducted by the Department of State, concluding "minimal environmental impact." On January 18, 2012, President Obama denied the pipeline a Presidential Permit, claiming there was not enough time to conduct "necessary reviews."

This is devastating news to an economy that has faced a perpetually high unemployment rate under President Obama's term. The President was given the authority to block this project only – and only – if he believes it's not in the national interest of the United States. President Obama's decision has not just overturned years of hard work to bring much-needed construction and manufacturing jobs to the United States, it has made the economy worse.