Rep. Joe Wilson Applauds Keystone XL Passage

Rep. Joe Wilson was one of three South Carolina Republican House Members to issue statements in response to the passage of a bill approving the Keystone XL pipeline.

The pipeline has been a dispute for several years. Should it be built, it would run from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. Its proponents say it would create thousands of good-paying jobs and be a big step toward America becoming energy independent. Critics say the number of jobs resulting from the pipeline has been grossly overstated and the damage to the environment would be irreparable.

The House approved the bill 241-175. It is not expected to pass the Democratic-led Senate.

Wilson said:

“Today, a bipartisan majority in the House decided to take matters into our own hands and approve the Keystone XL Pipeline application. This project will create well over 100,000 jobs, invest billions in our economy, and promote America’s energy independence. On numerous occasions, the President has claimed to support an “all-of-the-above” energy plan. However, for over 1,700 days, the Administration has held the Keystone XL Pipeline application hostage. 

“Lower prices at the pump, confidence in our abilities to produce energy resources, and the creation of new jobs will significantly impact communities all across our great nation.  In South Carolina’s Second Congressional District, Michelin Tire Corporation in Lexington produces earthmover tires and MTU Detroit Diesel in Graniteville manufactures engines that are used in Alberta, Canada, for oil sand recovery. Both these companies have potential to benefit from Keystone’s production.

“It is my hope that the Senate will join us in our efforts to approve the permit of the Keystone XL Pipeline in a timely fashion.  Our economy should not be forced to suffer due to the Administration’s refusal to act.  Approval of this permit will create the necessary jobs our economy so desperately needs, not the President’s hot air and empty promises."

Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-3) issued the following statement: 

“Republicans and Democrats both realize that energy production creates jobs. That’s why it’s shocking that President Obama has taken a position too extreme for many members of his own party and stonewalled the approval of the Keystone XL Pipeline. Republicans, Democrats, union workers, and business leaders all agree that the Keystone XL Pipeline will create American jobs. Since the President has stalled and delayed for over 1,700 days, Congress is taking action to put Americans back to work building a more energy independent future for our nation.”

“Building the Keystone XL Pipeline is common sense because it will improve America’s energy infrastructure, lower the cost of fuel at the pump, and promote North American energy security and independence. It’s time for President Obama to step into the political mainstream and support a true, all-of-the-above energy strategy for America today and for future generations.”

Rep. Tom Rice (R-7) issued the following statement:

“In recent years, energy prices and the economy have taken Americans on a roller coaster ride. I was sent to Washington to work on solutions that will boost our economy and create jobs for all Americans, and the Keystone Pipeline project accomplishes this and more.  Not only will this project create thousands of jobs, it will pour billions into our economy, lower the cost of energy, and put us on a path towards North American energy independence. I will continue to support infrastructure projects like Keystone XL and Interstate 73, that lift our economy, create thousands of much-needed jobs, and lower the cost of doing business in America.” 

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