WASHINGTON, D.C.—Karen Harbert, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for 21st Century Energy, issued the following statement today regarding legislation in the U.S. House and Senate to approve the Keystone XL pipeline:
“Absent any decision from the president or his administration on the Keystone XL pipeline, it now falls to Congress to provide leadership and break this six year blockade.
“As we have for more than six years now, the U.S. Chamber stands strongly with the vast majority of the American people, the business community, and elected officials from both parties at the federal, state, and local levels in support of the Keystone XL pipeline. The administration has played politics with this project for too long at the expense of America’s economy and our relationship with Canada, one of our most important allies in this era of geopolitical instability. It is unfortunate that Congressional action is even needed to move Keystone XL, but with strong bipartisan support in Congress, further delays in approving the pipeline are unacceptable.
“Earlier this year, on our Keystone XL pipeline Lost Opportunity Tour of the pipeline route, we encountered numerous business owners, civic leaders, and citizens who will benefit from construction of the pipeline and want Washington to stop standing in the way. As this debate continues, we shouldn’t forget those voices and the economic opportunities that will occur for many communities if Keystone is approved.”
The Chamber’s Key Vote Alert in support of H.R. 5682 is available here.
To hear voices from the pipeline route and learn more about the Keystone XL Pipeline Lost Opportunity Tour, visit www.energyxxi.org/kxltour
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.