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Date: 01/30/2012
On Sponsoring Legislation to Approve Keystone XL Pipeline
by Senator Lindsey Graham
Today, I joined 43 Senators in sponsoring legislation to approve the Keystone XL pipeline. In addition to providing stable oil supplies, Keystone XL is also expected to create approximately 130,000 jobs.
The Obama Administration’s decision to delay construction of the Keystone XL pipeline was irresponsible. Keystone XL will create thousands of jobs in the United States and also help reduce our dependence on oil from the Middle East and Venezuela.
The legislation approves Keystone XL under Congress’s authority enumerated in the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution, Article 1, Section 8.
Under the legislation, TransCanada will be authorized to construct and operate the Keystone XL pipeline from Alberta, Canada, to the U.S. Gulf Coast. The bill allows the company to move forward with construction of the pipeline in the United States while the state of Nebraska works to determine an alternative route. When completed, the pipeline will transport an additional 830,000 barrels of oil per day to U.S. refineries.
The construction and operation of Keystone XL is an economic and energy must-do for the United States. I am pleased to support this effort and am hopeful it will pass the Congress in a strong, bipartisan vote.
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