Client News
Florida Today: Keystone Pipeline project should not be delayed
Monday, December 05, 2011
Keystone Pipeline project should not be delayed
The State Department recently announced it will delay plans for the expansion of the Keystone XL Pipeline — a project that will bring thousands of Americans jobs and help the U.S. become less reliant on hostile and unstable countries for our energy supplies.
The Keystone XL Pipeline would enable us to take advantage of neighboring Canada’s vast petroleum resources and purchase more of our oil from an established, friendly trade partner.
For the past three years, the State Department has conducted an exhaustive analysis of the project, including environmental reviews, exploration of route alternatives and weighing the risks of any pipeline spill.
In September, the State Department concluded this review and deemed the proposed pipeline safe. Now, outcry from environmental groups has superseded expert review and caused an unfounded delay in moving this important project forward.
Ultimately, it seems this decision was about politics and not about what is in the best interest of the country for which I served (U.S. Navy commander, retired).
I strongly support the Key-stone XL Pipeline and encourage President Barack Obama and his administration to reverse the decision to delay its approval.
Tom Garcia
Boynton Beach