WASHINGTON, D.C. – The controversial Keystone Pipeline is one step closer to moving crude oil from Canada through the United States today after the State Department OK’d a permit.
The Keystone XL Project is a proposed 36-inch-diameter crude oil pipeline spanning 1,179-miles, beginning in Hardisty, Alberta, and extending south to Steele City, Nebraska. According to Keystone, “this pipeline is a critical infrastructure project for the economic strength and energy security of the United States.”
Today, it was announced the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs has issued a Presidential permit to TransCanada Keystone Pipeline, L.P. (“TransCanada”) authorizing TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain pipeline facilities at the U.S.-Canadian border in Phillips County, Montana for the importation of crude oil.
The Department of State reviewed TransCanada’s application in accordance with Executive Order 13337 (April 30, 2004) and the January 24, 2017 Presidential Memorandum Regarding Construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline. In making his determination that issuance of this permit would serve the national interest, the Under Secretary considered a range of factors, including but not limited to foreign policy; energy security; environmental, cultural, and economic impacts; and compliance with applicable law and policy.
The permit was signed by Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Thomas A. Shannon, Jr.
U.S. Senator Joni Ernst issued the following statement in response to the approval of the Keystone XL pipeline permit by the State Department today:
“The Keystone XL pipeline project will help create good jobs for the middle class and help our nation become more energy independent by reducing our reliance on Middle Eastern oil. It is important that we continue to update and improve our nation’s energy infrastructure to support and promote economic growth and job creation. I applaud the Trump administration’s commitment to moving forward with this project that has been unnecessarily politicized, and to get our country moving again.”
On March 24, 2017 the U.S. State Department issued the Presidential Permit for the Keystone XL project, marking a significant milestone for the project. That order reversed years of resistance to the pipeline from environmentalists and the Obama Administration.
Additional information concerning the Keystone XL pipeline facilities and documents related to the Department of State’s review of the application for a Presidential permit can be found at https://keystonepipeline-xl.state.gov/.
This is great news! There are no negatives here, good for the job market short term and great for the economy with reduced fuel prices in the future.