Daines speaks in support of pipeline bill

Republican Congressman Steve Daines joined the House of Representatives on May 22 in passing the Northern Route Approval Act that moves forward the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline by taking the approval out of President Obama’s hands. The act, which passed by a vote of 241-175 and Daines helped introduce in March, now moves to Senate for consideration. Daines spoke on the House floor in support of the legislation.

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It took Canada just seven months to approve the Keystone XL pipeline. Meanwhile, Americans have been waiting four and a half years for President Obama to act. Montanans understand how important this project is for our economy and for our energy future.

In eastern Montana, we’ve seen the tremendous potential for jobs and economic growth that’s come with the oil production in the Bakken field. In fact, this pipeline will transport up to 100,000 barrels per day of Bakken oil — that’s Montana and North Dakota oil — through a connecting “on-ramp” in Baker.

And in Glasgow, the NorVal Electric Co-op is slated to supply electricity to one of the Keystone XL pump stations. Let me tell you what this means for middle class, hardworking Americans. If this pipeline is built, this rural electric co-op will be able to spread their cost burdens with the pipeline and consequently hold rates steady for their 3,000 customers. But if the pipeline is not approved, NorVal customers will see upwards of a 40 percent increase in their utility rates over the next 10 years.

If the president is unwilling to listen to the voice of the people, then the House will. It’s time to build the Keystone XL pipeline.