Sen. Ernst Supports Keystone XL Jobs and Infrastructure Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) today voted in favor of S. 1, Keystone XL Pipeline Act, a jobs and infrastructure bill authorizing construction of a cross-border pipeline to transport oil from Canada to the U.S. Gulf Coast. The Iowa Senator is among 60 original cosponsors to the bipartisan legislation authored by Senators John Hoeven (R-ND) and Joe Manchin (D-WV). After working through an open amendment process, the Senate passed this legislation with bipartisan support by a vote of 62 to 36.

“The Keystone XL Pipeline will help create thousands of new jobs, add billions to our economy, and provide important energy infrastructure developments,” said Senator Ernst. “President Obama can no longer delay the Keystone XL Pipeline which has widespread support – from members of his own party, unions, and a majority of Americans. I strongly urge President Obama to join Congress in supporting this commonsense, bipartisan legislation to move our country forward.”

BACKGROUND

• The cross-border pipeline will carry 830,000 barrels of oil per day from Alberta, Canada to U.S. refineries along the Gulf Coast.

• According to the U.S. State Department, oil will be transported safely with minimal impact to the environment, and cause no disruption to the development of Canadian oil sands. This project contains strong protections and will comply with federal, state and local authorities.

• The Keystone XL Pipeline sets up basic energy infrastructure for future needs and is necessary to the progress of our country.

• Construction of the pipeline will stimulate the American economy through the creation of 42,000 new construction jobs and add an estimated $3.4 billion to GDP.

• This project has been under review for over six years and encountered numerous unnecessary delays by the Obama administration.

• There is broad-based support behind construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and AFL-CIO.

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