TO THE MEMBERS OF THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than three million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations, and dedicated to promoting, protecting, and defending America’s free enterprise system, supports S. 1, the “Keystone XL Pipeline Approval Act,” which would approve the Presidential Permit for the Keystone XL Pipeline project as described in the application filed by TransCanada on May 4, 2012.
The Keystone XL permit request has been under consideration by the Administration since 2008; and in the face of continued indecision by the President on this important matter, the Chamber believes it is crucial for Congress to act.
The pipeline proposal has undergone considerable examination and a thorough and lengthy environmental review. The Chamber has long been on record in support of this project because it would produce good, high paying jobs, increase supplies of Canadian and American crude to refiners, and therefore further bolster American economic and energy security. And with the Nebraska court case resolved and remaining barriers removed, additional administrative delay of the project seems counterproductive to America’s national interests and certain to hurt American consumers and industry.
In addition, the Chamber strongly supports a provision of this bill regarding energy efficiency. As part of an all-of-the-above energy policy, the Chamber is a longtime supporter of energy efficiency. This no-cost, no-mandate provision would advance energy efficiency through reduced regulatory burden, increased transparency and a focus on the federal government as a first mover to save taxpayer dollars on energy bills.
The Chamber strongly urges you to vote in favor of S. 1, the “Keystone XL Pipeline Approval Act,” and may consider including votes on, or in relation to, this bill in our annual How They Voted scorecard.
Sincerely,
R. Bruce Josten