WASHINGTON, D.C.—Calling the Keystone XL pipeline “critical to America’s energy and economic security,” the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for 21st Century Energy has submitted formal comments to the U.S. Department of State as part of the Department’s Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (DSEIS) review process.
The comments, addressed to Secretary of State John Kerry, affirm the Energy Institute’s belief that Keystone XL pipeline (KXL) is clearly in America’s national interest because it will create jobs and provide America with a steady, reliable source of energy. The State Department is currently accepting public comments on its DSEIS, which once again found that there would be no significant adverse environmental impacts to constructing the pipeline.
“The increased supply of crude oil from KXL will greatly contribute to our economic and energy security, and our move toward North American energy self-sufficiency,” wrote Karen Harbert, president and CEO of the Energy Institute. “The economic impact and long term benefits of the construction of the KXL pipeline are significant and vitally important to American jobs and the economy, especially during this time of economic recovery.”
The Energy Institute’s comments points out that an EnSys Energy Report conducted for the U.S. Department of Energy concluded that the projected increase in refining of Canadian oil “would curb dependency on crude oils from other sources, notably the Middle East and Africa.” The comments also note that according to the DSEIS, KXL will create 3,900 direct construction jobs and 42,100 direct and in-direct well-paying jobs during the two-year construction phase. Over $65 million in sales and use taxes will be generated during construction, while TransCanada will pay $5.2 billion in state and local property taxes during the life of the pipeline.
“The majority of the KXL project has been under review for close to five years, taking into consideration comments and information collected through multiple hearings, comments periods and interagency processes,” wrote Harbert. “It is more than time to move forward, grant the Presidential permit, and allow KXL construction to begin.”
The comments conclude with the Energy Institute urging the Department of State to move forward and designate the Keystone XL pipeline project as in our nation’s interest, allowing the Presidential Permit to be issued. To read the Energy Institute’s entire comments, click here.
While opponents of the Keystone XL pipeline often focus on the development of Canadian oil sands, the DSEIS concluded that the oil sands will develop with or without the pipeline, as Canada will seek to ship oil elsewhere if the U.S. does not receive it.
The mission of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for 21st Century Energy is to unify policymakers, regulators, business leaders, and the American public behind a common sense energy strategy to help keep America secure, prosperous, and clean. Through policy development, education, and advocacy, the Institute is building support for meaningful action at the local, state, national, and international levels.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.