Congressman Thompson: It's Time for President to Appove Keystone XL

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Glenn 'GT' Thompson (PA-5) today released the following statement regarding his vote in favor of H.R. 3, a measure approving the Keystone XL Pipeline Project. The legislation passed the House by 266 to 153.

"Today, the House passed legislation approving the Keystone XL Pipeline with broad bipartisan support. This is an energy and infrastructure project that over its lifespan will inject billions into the U.S. economy,” stated Rep. Thompson. “Despite bipartisan support, the President has announced his intention to veto this common sense proposal.”

“It’s been 2,303 days and counting since the Keystone XL pipeline was first submitted to the State Department for approval. Since then, the project has been found it to be environmentally sound and a certified job creator, including contracts for Pennsylvania based firms. It is time for President Obama to set aside politics and act in the best interest of the country by allowing this project to proceed,” Rep. Thompson added.

“At a time when job creation should be a top priority, the Keystone XL pipeline project will put Americans back to work and have ripple benefits throughout the economy,” said International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers’ President Edwin D. Hill. “From pipe manufactured in Arkansas, to pump motors assembled in Ohio and transformers built in Pennsylvania, workers all over the United States will benefit from the project.”

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) represents approximately 750,000 active members and retirees who work in a wide variety of fields, including utilities, construction, telecommunications, broadcasting, manufacturing, railroads and government.

According to the U.S. State Department, under the Obama Administration, construction of Keystone XL would support approximately 42,100 jobs (direct, indirect, and induced), approximately $2 billion in earnings throughout the U.S., and pose no significant environmental impacts.

The total estimated property tax from the project in the first full year of operations would be approximately $55.6 million in 27 counties across the country. Furthermore, the project will generate over $65 million in sales and use taxes during construction alone.

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