Nebraska Ag Connection - Ricketts Comments on Biden Rescinding Keystone XL Permit

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Ricketts Comments on Biden Rescinding Keystone XL Permit
Nebraska Ag Connection - 01/22/2021

Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts issued a statement following executive action by President Joe Biden to cancel the presidential permit for the Keystone XL Pipeline.

"Keystone XL is a critical part of putting together an all-of-the-above strategy for North American energy independence," said Ricketts. "Failure to construct the pipeline would mean more dependence on overseas energy sources as well as fewer jobs and less property tax relief for Nebraskans. This is a project that would greatly benefit not just Nebraska but also our whole country, and it is our hope that TC Energy presses forward."

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum said, "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.

"We're ready to work with the new administration on developing policies that support our state's priorities, and we will continue to oppose policies that harm North Dakotans, especially our energy and agricultural producers."

Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, also issed a statement.

"The Keystone XL pipeline has been delayed for too long, forcing the energy industry to use transportation methods that are less efficient and more costly. This pipeline is a critical infrastructure project that is already under construction, providing good jobs to Americans and helping bolster economic growth. Not only that, this pipeline will help support North America's energy security by reducing our reliance on Middle Eastern oil. Our nation needs to build, repair and modernize our infrastructure to remain competitive, and this vital project should continue."

In a letter sent earlier this week, Hoeven joined Senator Steve Daines and his colleagues in urging President Biden to allow construction of the pipeline to continue, highlighting how the project aligns with a number of his administration's priorities in supporting good-paying jobs. The senator will also be joining his colleagues in introducing legislation to allow construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline to continue.

This follows Hoeven's efforts in the 114th Congress, where he introduced legislation to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline on constitutional grounds. The bill passed with bipartisan support in both the Senate and the House, but was then vetoed by President Obama, who had delayed the project for more than seven years. Hoeven also supported President Trump in issuing a presidential permit for the project in March 2019, enabling the pipeline's construction to proceed.

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