United States Should Approve Keystone XL Pipeline

A poll conducted in April by the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars found that 74 percent of Americans support the construction of the Keystone Pipeline. Currently, the United States uses 15 million barrels of oil per day and imports about 60% of that demand. The Keystone XL Pipeline would provide an opportunity to produce more of our own oil, move toward energy independence. Specifically, the pipeline could reduce our dependence on oil from the Middle East and Venezuela by 40%. Additionally, the construction of the pipeline could create many new job opportunities, thus bolstering our economy.  

Here in Ohio, we have seen new opportunities for jobs spring up with the development of oil and natural gas. The eastern part of the state in particular is already experiencing the value of this new technology. All of Ohio benefits from the creation of new industries and jobs. The construction of the ATEX Express Pipeline, which will run from Pennsylvania down to Texas and through Ohio, is expected to create 4,000 new jobs over the next eight months, 1,500 of which are expected in Ohio alone. The pipeline will run underground through several counties, including Licking County.  Clearly, oil and natural gas are increasing employment and energy prospects in Ohio and the United States. The same would be true with the Keystone Pipeline.In April of this year, company who would build the pipeline estimated that it will create 9,000 construction jobs. Furthermore, approximately 7,000 manufacturing jobs are going to be created with this project.  

It is clear that the construction of this pipeline has several advantages.  Some groups and individuals may counter this and say that the pipeline will hurt the environment.  However, several studies completed by the State Department have shown that this project will not significantly damage the environment and that it will not cause a great impact on climate change. The Ohio House of Representatives in April passed House Concurrent Resolution 9, which urges the US State Department to approve the process of constructing and operating the Keystone Pipeline. As stated earlier, Americans support this construction, and for good reason. Delaying this project holds our country back from approaching energy independence.

While it will not alleviate all of our need for foreign oil, it will at least open up additional options. Plus, the number of jobs that can be created because of it will benefit our national economy. What has taken place in Ohio is a great example.  I supported the passage of the resolution because I believe it is imperative we all do what we can to encourage the completion of a project that supports job creation and energy production here in the United States.

Rep. Hottinger may be reached by calling (614) 466-1482, e-mailing Rep71@ohiohouse.gov, or writing to State Representative Jay Hottinger, 77 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215.