Marathon Pundit: Press release: CEA commend's Nebraska gov's approval of Keystone pipeline

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Press release: CEA commend's Nebraska gov's approval of Keystone pipeline

Liberals have reveled in their misguided belief that the Republican governor of Nebraska opposes the Keystone XL pipleline.

How will they explain this news?

From a Consumer Energy Alliance press release:

CEA COMMENDS GOVERNOR HEINEMAN'S APPROVAL OF KEYSTONE XL PIPELINE

Approval follows significant environmental study and noted economic benefits

HOUSTON, TX: Today Governor Dave Heineman informed President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hilary Clinton that Nebraska has approved the re-route of the northern leg of the Keystone XL Pipeline following an extensive environmental review by the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality.

CEA Executive Vice-President, Michael Whatley, issued the following statement upon learning of the Governor's decision:

This decision is welcome news for Nebraska's citizens and consumers. As a recent study noted, the Keystone XL project will provide $1.8 billion in overall economic activity and thousands of jobs for Nebraska's economy. At the same time, the pipeline will help provide Nebraskans with a source of affordable energy that is greatly needed by the state's agrarian and manufacturing economy.

For months project opponents have tried to convince the public that moving forward with the pipeline would sacrifice the state’s natural resources. This is a false choice refuted by two assessments conducted by the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality and a study conducted by the U.S. State Department. All of these reviews found the project will result in "minimal environmental impacts" and the State Department noted the pipeline will be one of the safest constructed in our nation’s history.

It's well past time for this project to be approved as it will improve the quality of life for all Nebraskans and the nation as a whole. Our communities and economy are best served by responsible energy policies implemented after pragmatic and responsible reviews. That is exactly what has happened with this project. Given this history we urge the U.S. State Department to approve the new route as expeditiously as possible.