Insight

Keystone Application Resubmitted; Obama Administration’s Delay Helping China

TransCanada resubmitted its permit application to build the Keystone XL pipeline earlier today, a multi-billion dollar private investment that would create thousands of American jobs and improve our access to North American oil.  No brainer, huh?  After working with the government of Nebraska, TransCanada is now prepared to build the pipeline along a route that better protects sensitive ecosystems and water resources in the state. 

The Washington Post editorialized this week in favor of moving forward on the pipeline, saying, “the case for ultimately approving the Keystone XL pipeline – always strong – has grown stronger.”

Of course, despite the rigorous review this pipeline has already been subjected to, the Obama Administration has punted on making a final decision on construction until after the president’s re-election campaign, in 2013.  This unnecessary delay in building a major piece of energy infrastructure falls squarely on the shoulders of the Obama administration, which rejected the pipeline late last year in a political move to appease the environmental left.  In the wake of Obama’s rejection, Canada has proceeded with plans to get the oil out of the country by other means; notably, China is fast on our heels trying to make shipment of the oil to Asia via tanker our fiercest competitor.

The American people know how vital this pipeline is to our recovery and our future energy security; recent polling suggests that 2/3 of people who have heard of the pipeline want it to be built.  While conservatives in Congress continue to pursue other means to speed up approval for the pipeline, the president continues with half measures like a laughable staged announcement that he will fast track its southern leg — which conveniently does not need his support.

Resubmitting this application is a welcome sign from TransCanada that they will not give up on building the Keystone XL.  Let’s hope that this time – with the support of the American people and the state of Nebraska – the pipeline will get a green light.

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