Keystone XL good for PA., lawmakers say; urge Obama to drop veto threat

After six years of delays and nearly a dozen failed votes, the Keystone XL pipeline on Friday got approval for construction from the U.S. House of Representatives.

The pipeline, which would run from Alberta, Canada to Nebraska, would allow crude oil to flow to the Gulf Coast.

The Senate is expected to approve the legislation. President Obama has vowed to veto the legislation.  

House Republicans, who enjoy the largest majority in that chamber in some six decades, voted unanimously in favor of the legislation. The final vote was 266-153; 28 Democrats voted in favor. The vote came just hours after the Nebraska Supreme Court tossed out a lawsuit challenging the proposed route.

Republicans from across the state claim the pipeline will create manufacturing jobs in Pennsylvania and thousands of construction jobs nationally. Democrats and Obama largely claim the pipeline would threaten the health of Americans and the environment, and in the end, have little impact on jobs growth.

"There is really no reason – other than politics – to oppose the construction." - Rep. Lou Barletta, 11th congressional district.

Here are some takeaways from some of the House delegates representing central Pennsylvania:

Rep. Lou Barletta, 11th congressional district:

"For more than six years, President Obama has been putting off a decision on the Keystone XL pipeline, and now regrettably threatens to veto this legislation when it passes Congress.  Just today, the Nebraska Supreme Court cleared the way for the governor of that state to approve construction of the pipeline within its borders, eliminating yet another excuse the Obama Administration has been using to block this important project.

"The Keystone XL pipeline is shovel-ready and means jobs, specifically in the Pennsylvania manufacturing industry.  It's an important step toward energy independence and lower prices for consumers.  The environmental impact of the project has been studied to death.  There is really no reason – other than politics – to oppose the construction.  At long last, common sense should prevail.  My hope is that when the president sees the support the pipeline enjoys across the country, he will drop his threat of a veto."

Rep. Charlie Dent, 15th congressional district:

"The Keystone XL Pipeline project, and the tens of thousands of jobs it would support, has been unnecessarily held up by the President for too long. It has been studied and restudied. Cleared and re-cleared. Support for this project amongst the public remains at an overwhelming level. It's something the vast majority of Americans agree would be beneficial and it is unfortunate that the President allows ideology to trump good public policy."

"Those of us in the House, from both parties, have done our job and supported the construction of the pipeline. I anticipate the Senate will likely support the pipeline as well. At that point Americans will get to see whether the President decides to support this worthy infrastructure project."

Rep. Ryan Costello, 6th congressional district:

"The House of Representatives has taken a very important step in moving the United States to energy independence and energy security. According to the State Department, the Keystone Pipeline project will support over 40,000 good paying jobs and $2 billion in earnings. The House of Representatives sent a strong message this week that we are serious about job creation, and are wasting no time getting to work on issues that are important to our constituents."

Source: PennLive