WASHINGTON, D.C.—Karen Harbert, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for 21st Century Energy, applauded today’s vote in the House of Representatives in favor of legislation that will help spur action on the Keystone XL Pipeline.On Tuesday, the House voted 279-147 to pass H.R.1938, the “North American-Made Energy Security Act,” which would help facilitate better coordination of the Keystone XL pipeline federal permit approval process and give much needed certainty by providing a clear deadline for decision.“The Keystone XL pipeline will create jobs, bring needed revenue to state budgets and improve our energy security,” said Harbert. “Given our current struggle to create jobs and reign in our debt, this project should be a no-brainer. It is disappointing that the administration continues to drag its feet on green-lighting this shovel-ready project, but I’m pleased the House acted to help move it along.”The Keystone XL pipeline would bring 1.1 million barrels of oil a day from Canada. Construction of the pipeline will create more than 20,000 jobs in the short term and hundreds of thousands of jobs during the life of the pipeline. However, the permits have been stalled by the administration.“If we are serious about reducing our dependence on oil from unstable countries, then the U.S. Senate should give this legislation full and immediate consideration,” Harbert said. The Chamber of Commerce issued a Key Vote Alert in support of the legislation.
The mission of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for 21st Century Energy is to unify policymakers, regulators, business leaders, and the American public behind a common sense energy strategy to help keep America secure, prosperous, and clean. Through policy development, education, and advocacy, the Institute is building support for meaningful action at the local, state, national, and international levels.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.