Letter: Pipeline promises many benefits

News
December 10, 2012

Omaha World Herald

Patrick G. Bonnett

A Dec. 4 hearing in Albion, Neb., showed great support for the TransCanada Keystone XL pipeline.

I am so thankful to all of the Nebraskans who came out and showed their support for the pipeline and the economic benefits that would come with it. They understand that the pipeline would spin off a great number of opportunities for businesses that provide services to the pipeline system.

Growing demand for low-cost, stable and storable energy products means the pipeline would be not only advantageous but crucial to our nation's economy and strategic interests.

At a time when other energy-producing regions are highly unstable or predictably hostile to U.S. interests, increasing our import potential from Canada represents sound energy and national security policy.

Besides being a secure source of energy, the pipeline would provide jobs and create revenues in America. We need the oil the pipeline would bring to American refineries and the jobs it would provide for Americans.

I've reviewed the pipeline's route and its potential impact on our environment, along with the construction plan, the spill-prevention measures and construction aspects. I'm satisfied that all reasonable safety measures are being taken.