Graham Sponsors Legislation To Approve Keystone XL Pipeline
January 30, 2012
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 30, 2012 – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham(R-South Carolina) today joined 43 Senators in sponsoring legislation toapprove the Keystone XL pipeline. In addition to providing stable oilsupplies, Keystone XL is also expected to create approximately 130,000jobs.
“The Obama Administration’s decision to delay construction of theKeystone XL pipeline was irresponsible,” said Graham. “Keystone XL willcreate thousands of jobs in the United States and also help reduce ourdependence on oil from the Middle East and Venezuela.”
The legislation approves Keystone XL under Congress’s authorityenumerated in the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution, Article 1,Section 8.
Under the legislation, TransCanada will be authorized to construct andoperate the Keystone XL pipeline from Alberta, Canada, to the U.S. GulfCoast. The bill allows the company to move forward with construction ofthe pipeline in the United States while the state of Nebraska works todetermine an alternative route. When completed, the pipeline willtransport an additional 830,000 barrels of oil per day to U.S.refineries.
“The construction and operation of Keystone XL is an economic and energymust-do for the United States,” said Graham. “I am pleased to supportthis effort and am hopeful it will pass the Congress in a strong,bipartisan vote.”
