U.S. CONGRESS— U.S. Senator Steve Daines and Congressman Matt Rosendale today introduced legislation in the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives to authorize the continued construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline following President Biden’s decision to revoke the cross-border operation permit.
“Americans are already struggling to make ends meet and keep food on the table because of the pandemic. Yet with the stroke of a pen, President Biden killed thousands of energy and union jobs, eliminated tax revenue for impoverished communities, raised energy costs for Americans, and put our national security and energy independence at risk,” Daines stated. “We must reverse Biden’s disastrous decision and send a clear message that supporting American workers is more important than supporting Saudi Arabia and allowing radical environmentalists to cash in on campaign promises.”
“I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of the ‘Keystone XL Pipeline Construction and Jobs Act’ in the House of Representatives, which reauthorizes the Keystone XL Pipeline that President Biden cancelled on his first day in office,” said Rosendale. “I want to thank Senator Daines for his leadership on this issue in the Senate. This executive order has really hurt Montana. During this time of economic uncertainty, ending American jobs and energy independence should not be President Biden’s top priority. The Keystone XL Pipeline provides good, high paying jobs and is a source of added revenue for our rural communities.”
Daines is the Chair of the Senate Western Caucus and sits on the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
This project is expected to provide approximately 11,000 direct high-paying jobs and up to 60,000 indirect and direct jobs, generate tax revenue, increase renewable-energy demand, reduce emissions and strengthen North American energy independence.
Background:
The Keystone XL project has also undergone extensive environmental review and is the safest and most environmentally friendly way to transport oil.
Several Montana stakeholders, including Carter County Commissioners, Southeastern Montana Development Corporation and the Montana Electric Cooperatives’ Association, have sent statements supporting the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. Read HERE.
On January 19th, Senator Daines led several western senators in sending a letter highlighting the importance of the Keystone XL Pipeline and urging President Biden to reconsider his decision to halt construction.