Collins, House GOP vote for Keystone pipeline

WASHINGTON, DC – The House Republican majority gave strong support for a controversial oil pipeline project today. The Keystone XL oil pipeline was approved in the House, 252-161, and now heads to the Senate.

The 1,179-mile project would go from Canada through Montana and South Dakota to Nebraska. It would connect with existing pipelines to carry more than 800,000 barrels of crude oil a day to refineries along the Texas Gulf Coast.

Congressman Chris Collins, R-Clarence, issued this statement after the vote:

“Achieving energy independence is vital for our nation’s economic growth and national security. For the past six years, the President’s Administration has hidden behind political motives to delay a decision on the Keystone XL pipeline. While the Obama Administration and Senate Democrats have delayed, the American people have missed out on the thousands of jobs and lower energy costs that would be created by approval of the pipeline.

“As November’s elections results prove, Americans want economic growth and jobs now, and House Republicans are taking a major step towards those goals. It is time for the President and Senate Democrats to put aside their punitive political agenda and harness our nation’s energy potential.”