The Honorable John Kerry
Secretary of State
2201 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20520
Dear Mr. Secretary:
We write today to request the State Department immediately complete the Keystone XL Pipeline National Interest Determination (NID) process and grant the final approval on the presidential cross-border permit.
The Final Environmental Impact Statement released by the Department earlier this year found over 42,000 jobs would be created and $3.4 billion in additional revenue to GDP would result in the building of this project, yet we continue to wait. Our labor community continues to face a stubborn unemployment rate that by far outpaces the national average, yet we continue to wait. Over 70 percent of Americans, including a majority of both Republicans and Democrats, support the building of this project and yet we continue to wait. The facts and benefits are clear; this project is in our national interest.
On April 18, 2014, the State Department once again delayed the final NID decision just days before the determination was scheduled to be completed—attributing this delay to a court decision currently under appeal in Nebraska. There is no reason for the president to delay issuing the cross-border permit due to a state appellate court proceeding. Keystone XL enjoys the support of the Nebraska governor and policymakers. Nebraska conducted a thorough route assessment. Furthermore, the State Department has found in all five environmental reviews that the project would not significantly impact the environment, including the various route options through Nebraska. The issue of our national interest will not be affected or changed by the outcome of the Nebraska decision.
The Keystone XL Pipeline has been studied longer than any pipeline project in U.S. history. Since the initial permit application was filed in 2008, more than 10,000 miles of oil and natural gas pipeline have been built in the U.S.; this is enough pipe to cross our country nearly four times. However, after nearly six years of studies showing no significant impacts – yet positive benefits to our energy and economic security – politics are still trumping good policy.
Presidential Executive Order 13337 grants 90 days for certain federal agencies to weigh in on the NID on a cross-border permit; those 90 days have now long passed. We once again request that the State Department grant the Keystone XL Pipeline permit and put our labor forces back to work this construction season.
Our organizations would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss this matter further. We would be pleased to answer any questions you might have. We appreciate your attention and look forward to moving toward the decision to finally approve this vitally important energy infrastructure project.
Sincerely,
American Chemistry Council
American Concrete Pavement Association
American Concrete Pressure Pipe Association
American Council of Engineering Companies
American Exploration & Production Council
American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers
American Highway Users Alliance
American Iron and Steel Institute
American Petroleum Institute
American Rental Association
American Road & Transportation Builders Association
American Supply Association
American Trucking Association
Associated Equipment Distributors
Associated General Contractors of America
Association of Equipment Manufacturers
Association of Oil Pipe Lines
Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute
Consumer Energy Alliance
Distribution Contractors Association
Energy Equipment & Infrastructure Alliance
Independent Petroleum Association of America
Industrial Fasteners Institute
Industrial Minerals Association-North America
Institute for 21st Century Energy
Institute of Makers of Explosives
Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation
National Asphalt Pavement Association
National Association of Manufacturers
National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors
National Electrical Contractors Association
National Ready Mixed Concrete Association
National Stone, Sand, and Gravel Association
National Utility Contractors Association
North America’s Building Trades Unions
North American Die Casting Association
Petroleum Equipment Suppliers Association
Petroleum Marketers Association of America
Portland Cement Association
Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council
SPI: The Plastic Industry Trade Association
Steel Manufacturers Association
US Oil & Gas Association
Western Energy Alliance