1/08 – Industry Letter Supporting Passage of Keystone XL Pipeline Legislation
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The document is a letter from 18 construction industry organizations to Congressional leaders expressing strong support for legislation approving the Keystone XL Pipeline. The organizations argue that the pipeline will create over 42,000 American jobs and contribute $2 billion in earnings and $3.4 billion to GDP during construction. Once operational, the pipeline will continue to employ American workers and generate economic activity and tax revenues for local communities. The letter urges Congressional approval of the pipeline to benefit American energy security, consumers and workers without further delay.
1/08 – Industry Letter Supporting Passage of Keystone XL Pipeline Legislation
- 1. January 8, 2015 The Honorable John Boehner Speaker of the House U.S. House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 The Honorable Nancy Pelosi Democratic Leader U.S. House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 The Honorable Mitch McConnell Majority Leader U.S. Senate Washington, DC 20510 The Honorable Harry Reid Democratic Leader U.S. Senate Washington, DC 20510 U.S. CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY SUPPORTS THE KEYSTONE XL PIPELINE ACT (H.R. 3/S. 1) Dear Speaker Boehner, Majority Leader McConnell, and Democratic Leaders Reid and Pelosi: The undersigned organizations representing American construction workers, contractors, and suppliers strongly support legislation to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline Act (H.R. 3/S. 1). The Keystone XL pipeline has been pending for more than six years. The delay threatens job creation, economic growth, and our relationship with Canada, our closest ally and trading partner. The State Department’s final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) makes clear the negative environmental effects of the Keystone XL pipeline will be minimal while the project will provide significant economic and national security benefits for the country. By bringing an extra 830,000 barrels of oil per day to U.S. refineries, the pipeline would create American jobs and enhance our national security by reducing U.S. reliance on energy resources from less stable regions. Continued volatility in those regions only reinforces the urgent need to tap into new energy sources and the Keystone XL pipeline is a safe, secure way to ensure the nation’s long-term energy security. During the project’s construction, the Keystone XL pipeline would support more than 42,000 jobs across the country, translating to $2 billion in earnings for workers. A large number of new jobs created by this project would be in the construction sector. The State Department also concluded that the pipeline’s construction would contribute approximately $3.4 billion (or 0.02 percent) to the U.S. gross domestic product (GDP). Additionally, many state and local governments will see the benefit of significant tax revenues as a result of the increased economic activity. Following the project’s completion, the Keystone XL pipeline operations will continue to employ American workers and generate economic activity. Importantly, property tax revenue during operations would be substantial for many counties, with an increase of 10 percent or more in 17 of the 27 counties with proposed project facilities, directly benefiting local communities. Put simply, Keystone XL offers a safe, practical way to bring more Canadian oil to U.S. refineries, thereby benefitting American consumers and workers, and improving our energy and economic security. The project serves our national interest and should be approved without delay. Consequently, we urge you to
- 2. Construction Industry Support Letter for the Keystone XL Pipeline Act January 8, 2015 Page 2 of 2 support and work for enactment of legislation to approve the Keystone XL pipeline project. Further delay is unacceptable. Sincerely, American Concrete Pavement Association American Concrete Pipe Association American Concrete Pressure Pipe Association American Council of Engineering Companies American Rental Association American Road & Transportation Builders Association American Supply Association Associated Equipment Distributors Associated General Contractors of America Association of Equipment Manufacturers Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute Distribution Contractors Association Energy Equipment & Infrastructure Alliance International Union of Operating Engineers Laborers International Union of North America National Asphalt Pavement Association National Electrical Contractors Association National Ready Mixed Concrete Association National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association National Utility Contractors Association North America's Building Trades Unions Portland Cement Association Steel Manufacturers Association c.c. All Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate