Keystone XL: What They Are Saying

On his first day in office, President Joe Biden revoked a critical cross-border permit for the Keystone XL crude oil pipeline. This shortsighted political decision will have significant impacts on the U.S. economy, U.S.-Canadian relations, energy security, and our national security. Here is what the officials and industry groups are saying:

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte:

“Despite broad, bipartisan support for the Keystone XL pipeline, including from all members of Montana’s bipartisan congressional delegation and from Democratic Governors Steve Bullock and Brian Schweitzer who preceded me, I was disappointed that you signed an executive order today to halt its construction.

“A symbolic gesture for your fledging, hours-old administration, this decision has real and devastating consequences in Montana. With your executive order, gone are the thousands of good-paying American jobs, hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue to support our local communities and schools, the opportunity to advance America’s green energy infrastructure, and America’s energy security.”

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum:

“For decades, a primary policy goal of every presidential administration has been to put America in a position to sell energy to our friends and allies versus buy it from our enemies. Finally achieving this policy of U.S. energy independence in recent years due to American innovation and entrepreneurship has led to low energy prices that help working families keep more money in their pockets, a resurgence in American manufacturing jobs and the ability to bring our soldiers home. Now is not the time to abandon this essential strategy.

“In North Dakota, we’ve experienced first-hand how major, modern pipeline infrastructure and an all-of-the-above energy strategy can create high-paying jobs, strengthen the economy, move product to market in the safest and most efficient manner, and advance U.S. energy independence. The Keystone XL pipeline accomplishes all of these goals, and revoking the permit is wrong for the country and has a chilling effect on private-sector investment in much-needed infrastructure projects, which is why we urge the President to reconsider.”

Senator Kevin Cramer:

“Hours ago President Biden bemoaned the loss of millions of jobs and promised to put people back to work, but now he’s taking action to eliminate thousands more. This is an early mistake by the President and a nod to far-left environmental extremists. I urge him to reconsider his approach.”

American Petroleum Institute (API):

“…revoking the Keystone XL pipeline is a significant step backwards both for environmental progress and our economic recovery. Pipelines are the safest, most environmentally friendly way to transport energy, and the economy cannot recover at full speed unless we deliver reliable energy from where it is to where it is needed. The Keystone XL Pipeline has been through more than 10 years of extensive environmental reviews, and today’s announcement is a slap in the face to the thousands of union workers who are already a part of this safe and sustainable project. This misguided move will hamper America’s economic recovery, undermine North American energy security and strain relations with one of America’s greatest allies.”

Grow America’s Infrastructure Now (GAIN) Coalition:

“This decision…will cost thousands of U.S. construction jobs, billions in economic activity, weaken U.S./Canadian relations, and ultimately make the world more reliant on energy from parts of the work that would do freedom and democracy harm. It will also have a chilling effect on infrastructure investment across the U.S.

“While environmentalists will undoubtedly cheer, the rest of the country will soon regret this Day One decision.”

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