Senator Lamar Alexander and Senator Bob Corker on Tuesday cosponsored legislation by Senator John Hoeven (R-S.D.) that would eliminate the need for President Obama’s approval of a permit to begin the construction and operation of the Keystone XL pipeline.
“After five years of delays, there is simply no reason whatsoever for the president not to let the Keystone XL pipeline move forward,” Senator Alexander said. “This legislation would remove the requirement for presidential approval of the pipeline, advancing a project that would make us more secure in our energy supply and create thousands of jobs for American workers.”
Senator Hoeven’s legislation would remove the requirement for presidential approval of the Keystone XL pipeline, which would allow construction to begin. The legislation also declares that the pipeline has met all requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as well as any other law requiring federal agency consultation or review regarding such cross-border facilities.
Senator Alexander is a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Senator Bob Corker said, “After extensive environmental reviews over the last five years, the president still refuses to approve the Keystone XL pipeline without any logical reason, despite the many benefits to our economy and energy security. This bill will allow us to move ahead with construction on the pipeline so we can expand access to North American energy, create jobs and promote economic growth, all while providing a safer and more environmentally friendly method of transporting oil.”