API President and Chief Executive Officer Jack Gerard said the SenatedzԹs strong bipartisan passage of legislation to build the Keystone XL pipeline shows Congress can find common ground and follow the will of the American people. Now, itdzԹs the presidentdzԹs turn to show hedzԹs ready to lead on energy issues.
dzԹRepublicans and Democrats alike on Capitol Hill are speaking in one clear voice saying itdzԹs time to build KXL,dzԹ said Gerard. dzԹThis is one of the most bipartisan bills we have seen in recent history. We hope the president will seize this opportunity to work collaboratively with Congress to advance sound energy policy while creating thousands of jobs.
dzԹWe cannot afford to veto 42 000 good paying American jobs because of politics as usual. We urge the president to make the right decision and approve KXL because it is in this nationdzԹs best interest.
dzԹWe agree with the president that our sights should be higher than a single pipeline. But if we candzԹt make a decision on a single pipeline, how can we expect to ever convince the market we can accomplish comprehensive infrastructure improvement? Indecision has consequences. The fact is that if all other infrastructure projects are delayed like Keystone XL, we are years away from approving anything that could create jobs and enhance our energy security.dzԹ
API thanked leaders from both sides of the aisle in both chambers of Congress. Since the delays began more than six years ago, lawmakers who relentlessly put jobs and energy security first have continued to recognise Keystone XL and its benefits to the US.
API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 9.8 million US jobs and 8% of the US economy. APIdzԹs more than 625 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nationdzԹs energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 25 million Americans.
Adapted from press release by