Congressman Lucas’ Office
Congressman Frank Lucas (R-OK3) today praised passage of H.R. 3, the Northern Route Approval Act. This legislation would approve construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline, by removing the requirement for a Presidential permit.
“President Obama has had over four years to approve of the Keystone Pipeline, and what we are saying today is we are tired of him blocking construction,” said Lucas. “The time to build the pipeline is now. I am pleased the Northern Route Approval Act will remove the requirement for a Presidential permit, so we can move forward with creating U.S. jobs and increasing domestic oil production.
“The Keystone Pipeline project has the potential to create 20,000 direct jobs and 118,000 indirect jobs by creating a demand for welders, pipefitters, mechanics, electricians, heavy equipment operators etc. Many of these jobs would come to Oklahoma’s Third Congressional District, as approval of the northern portion of the pipeline would carry oil from the Canadian oil sands down to Cushing, Okla. Keystone would transport 830,000 barrels of oil per day, which is nearly half of what our country imports from the Middle East.
“It is obvious this project would create economic growth in the Third District and the rest of the nation. I am pleased leaders in the House are working to create U.S. jobs and increase domestic oil supply. I have always been a staunch supporter of an all-of-the-above energy approach, and I will continue to support initiatives that help America accomplish this goal.”
