Congressman Lee Terry

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Lee Terry (R-NE) today released the following letter sent to the President congratulating him on his reelection but requesting that they work together to approve and support the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline:

Dear Mr. President:

Congratulations on your recent reelection.  I wish you the best for your next four years as President.

Now that the election is over, it is time to put our differences aside, roll up our sleeves, and get back to the nation’s work.  It is my sincere hope that the House of Representatives and the White House can work productively together during the 113^th Congress.

For the last year and a half, I have led the effort in the House of Representatives on the Keystone XL pipeline approval, in the hopesthat our nation can tap into a consistent source of energy for decades to come. I have been frustrated by the delay, especially in light of the Final Environmental Impact Statement produced by the State Department.  The Canadian government is moving forward extracting the oil.  The question is will the United States be a partner and recipient or will the vast majority of the resource be sold to China or some other country.  If it is the latter, then America will again be threatened with a lack of energy independence.

It has been suggested that a final decision should be made during the first quarter of 2013.  I remain concerned that additional delays will be caused by inaction on scoping at the State Department.  The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality has completed its draft evaluation report and a public hearing and information session has been set for December 4.  I do not see any reason to further delay.  It is my sincere hope that Congress and the Administration can work together to come to a solution that is in our countries best interest.

I don’t think I can state it strongly enough.  Being less dependent on regimes that do not have our best interest at heart, is in our country’s best interest.  Creating jobs, is in our country’s best interest.  And working together is in our country’s best interest.

Most Respectfully,

Lee Terry

Member of Congress

See the letter HERE