U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines sent a letter to the Biden administration demanding answers about the now outstanding Keystone XL Pipeline jobs loss report, which was due to Congress on Sunday, February 13th, 2022.
“At the time of its closure, the Keystone XL Pipeline project was already under construction and employed more than 1,500 workers. By the end of 2021, the Keystone XL pipeline was projected to provide approximately 11,000 jobs. The closure erased thousands of real, high-paying jobs and approximately $800 million in wages,” Daines wrote.
“Significant prospective spending for rural communities, small businesses and tax revenue for local schools and public safety disappeared with the stroke of a pen. President Biden’s Executive Order destroyed numerous jobs and changed countless lives. It also strained relationships with Canada and put the United States at a strategic disadvantage when it comes to energy security for us and our allies. Knowing the full impact of the President’s actions is important to the American people,” the letter continues.
To read the full letter click HERE.
Background:
In June 2021, Daines introduced the “Defending Keystone Jobs Act” which required a report on the number of jobs lost as a direct or indirect result of the Biden administration’s move to cancel construction on the Keystone XL pipeline on Day One. It was later signed into law.
In June 2021, Daines issued a statement after the company backing the Keystone XL pipeline was forced to officially pull the plug on the project. Daines stressed this is a direct result from President Biden nixing the project on Day One of taking office, when he rescinded the permit needed to continue cross border construction.
In April, 2021, Daines continued his push to pressure the Biden Administration to reauthorize the Keystone XL pipeline. At a Senate committee hearing, Daines emphasized the jobs and tax revenue the Keystone XL pipeline would bring to rural communities in eastern Montana.
In March, 2021, Daines traveled to eastern Montana to meet with Montanans and discuss the impact of Biden shutting down the Keystone XL pipeline project.
In February 2021, Daines introduced a bill to authorize the continued construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline following President Biden’s decision to revoke the cross-border operation permit.
###
Contact: Rachel Dumke, Katie Schoettler