Nothing has changed about the thousands of jobs that Keystone XL will create. Nothing has changed about the energy security to be gained through an important addition to the existing pipeline network built with sound environmental stewardship and the best modern technology. Nothing has changed about the security to be gained from using more fuel produced at home and by a close and stable ally. And nothing has changed about the need for America to remain a place where businesses can still build things.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell
Addison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellGraham backs bill to protect Mueller Grassley defends acting AG against calls for recusal Former staffers push Congress for action on sexual harassment measure MORE (R-Ky.) also signed the letter. It requests a meeting with Obama in the “near future.” The White House did not comment.
The Nov. 16 letter signals that TransCanada Corp.’s proposed pipeline, which would transport Canadian oil sands to Gulf Coast refineries, will remain a priority for proponents and foes alike.
Environmentalists are staging a demonstration at the White House on Sunday urging Obama to reject the project, which has played a starring role in political battles over energy and climate policy over the past year.
The pipeline has been politically thorny terrain for Obama, who in late 2011 punted a decision on the project until after the 2012 elections. A final determination is expected in early 2013.
Environmental groups bitterly oppose the project due to greenhouse gas emissions from extracting and burning oil sands, forest damage from the massive projects in Alberta, and fears of spills along the route.
But the project has strong support from business groups, and many unions, which like green groups are a key part of Obama’s political base.
The pipeline, in addition to transporting Canadian oil, is slated to carry oil from the booming Bakken formation in North Dakota and Montana. It would also traverse Montana.
“The election is over, people want us to work together to create jobs, and one sure way we can create jobs right now is by moving forward with construction on the Keystone XL pipeline,” Baucus said in a statement.
Hoeven said moving ahead with the pipeline would be a “big step toward American energy independence.”
The other senators that signed the letter are:
Sens. John Barrasso
John Anthony BarrassoSenate GOP readies for leadership reshuffle Overnight Energy: US, Canada react negatively to Keystone pipeline block | Trump calls ruling a 'disgrace' | Interior officers nabbed 4,000 immigrants crossing US-Mexico border GOP nerves on edge after Sinema takes lead over McSally MORE (R-Wyo.), Mark Begich
Mark Peter BegichDem Begich concedes Alaska governor race to Republican Dunleavy Democrats gain governorships in red states GOP braces for potential wipeout in governors' races MORE (D-Alaska), Kent Conrad (D-N.D.), Kay Hagan
Kay Ruthven Hagan2020 Dems compete for top campaign operatives Senate GOP rejects Trump’s call to go big on gun legislation Politics is purple in North Carolina MORE (D-N.C.), Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Mike Johanns
Michael (Mike) Owen JohannsMeet the Democratic sleeper candidate gunning for Senate in Nebraska Farmers, tax incentives can ease the pain of a smaller farm bill Lobbying World MORE (R-Neb.), Mary Landrieu
Mary Loretta LandrieuLobbying world Former New Orleans mayor: It's not my 'intention' to run for president Dems grasp for way to stop Trump's Supreme Court pick MORE (D-La.), Dick Lugar (R-Ind.), Joe Manchin
Joseph (Joe) ManchinMellman: The triumph of partisanship Senate GOP readies for leadership reshuffle Schumer’s headaches to multiply in next Congress MORE (D-W.Va.), Lisa Murkowski
Lisa Ann MurkowskiEarmarks look to be making a comeback Trump and Pelosi set to collide as Democrats celebrate their power Poll: Palin unpopular in Alaska following jab at Murkowski MORE (R-Alaska), Rob Portman
Robert (Rob) Jones PortmanThe case for bipartisan solutions GOP lawmakers condemn attempted attacks on Democrats Trump takes steps to punish Saudi Arabia MORE (R-Ohio), Mark Pryor
Mark Lunsford PryorMedicaid rollback looms for GOP senators in 2020 Cotton pitches anti-Democrat message to SC delegation Ex-Sen. Kay Hagan joins lobby firm MORE (D-Ark.), Jon Tester
Jonathan (Jon) TesterMellman: The triumph of partisanship VA under pressure to deliver Trump reforms Feehery: With 2020 looming, Republicans must learn lessons from midterms MORE (D-Mont.), David Vitter
David Bruce VitterSenate panel advances Trump nominee who wouldn't say if Brown v. Board of Education was decided correctly Planned Parenthood targets judicial nominee over abortion comments Trump nominates wife of ex-Louisiana senator to be federal judge MORE (R-La.) and Jim Webb (D-Va.).
