House lawmakers call for approval of massive oil sands pipeline project

More than 30 House lawmakers called on Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Wednesday to approve a permit for a massive pipeline that will transport oil from Canada to Texas.

In a letter to Clinton on Wednesday, the lawmakers argued that approval of the project, the Keystone XL pipeline, would result in new jobs and less of a reliance on oil from outside North America.

“The importance of the Keystone XL pipeline for American energy security and the economy are undeniable,” the letter, organized by Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-Colo.), says. “It is noteworthy that opposition to the pipeline focuses on questionable environmental concerns while failing to recognize the significant overall benefit to Americans.”

Environmentalists have mounted an opposition campaign, noting that oil sands production results in higher greenhouse gas emissions than convention oil production and raising concerns about possible oil spills.

The State Department, which is reviewing the project in conjunction with a number of other agencies, is expected to release the results of its review in 2011.

The letter was signed by 36 lawmakers.