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Lamborn Speaks on House Floor in Support of Bill to Complete Keystone XL Pipeline

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) delivered the following statement on the House floor in support of H.R. 3, the Northern Route Approval Act:

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) speaks on the House Floor in support of the Keystone XL Pipeline

To view video, clickhere.

I rise in strong support of this legislation.  From day one the Obama Administration has inexplicably put up roadblock after roadblock to prevent the construction of the Keystone Pipeline – a pipeline that would create tens of thousands of American jobs and securely bring 800,000 barrels of oil a day to American consumers – and these numbers are according to the Administration's own Department of Energy and State Department.  The project would lead to billions of dollars in investment into the U.S. economy.

Besides obstructing construction of the northern portion of the pipeline, President Obama had no shame in taking credit for construction of the southern section of the pipeline – which did not require his approval. 

Sadly, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper has announced that due to delays by the Obama Administration, Canada has no choice but to consider alternative options for bringing its oil to market – including constructing a pipeline from Alberta to the Pacific coast for export to China.  If we don’t take advantage of this opportunity – somebody else will, probably China.

After four Environmental Impact Statements, all of which have concluded there will be minimal environmental impacts, the Administration continues to stall construction of the pipeline. It would lessen our dependence on foreign oil from dangerous parts of the world by integrating our friendly northern neighbor into our energy economy.  With each day that passes, we slowly lose one of the best opportunities this country has had in a generation to secure our energy independence.

Since the President refuses to act, Congress will.  The Northern Route Approval Act removes the President’s veto and will ensure that after years of extensive studies, construction of the pipeline can move forward so America can begin to benefit from this tremendous opportunity.

I urge adoption of the act, and yield back to the Chairman.

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