Cole: Needless Keystone Pipeline Delays Must End

Congressman Tom Cole

Due to federal government resistance in approving TransCanada’s application to build, the Keystone XL pipeline has remained a topic of conversation far too long. For more than 1,700 days, TransCanada has awaited approval of its permit to begin construction. With each passing day, we are reminded of the needless delay placed upon this vital project. This must change, and the American people are not willing for another four years to pass before it does.

Without question, the construction of the Keystone pipeline is a wise move for domestic energy production and job creation. Members on both sides of the aisle in the House and Senate have confirmed their support time and again for TransCanada’s extension of the pipeline from Alberta, Canada to the Gulf Coast, with a terminal in Cushing, Oklahoma. In the last Congress alone, the House voted six times to advance its construction. A bipartisan House showed its continued support for the project last month by voting in favor of H.R. 3, the Northern Route Approval Act, legislation that expedites the application process.

Every time I see the facts and figures about what the pipeline will contribute to America, I am disappointed that the Obama Administration is still delaying its progress. President Obama claims support for economic recovery, yet he refuses to approve a project that will certainly produce thousands of good paying jobs. Since the application is still caught up in the review process through unnecessary and excessive environmental studies, the White House is robbing taxpayers of potential jobs. TransCanada is willing to invest $7 billion in construction, and in so doing would directly create 20,000 jobs without expending any federal dollars. Estimates also show creation of as many as 118,000 related jobs.

Not only is the project a wise investment in the future of North American energy production and job creation, but it also strengthens our national security by reducing dependence on foreign oil. Based on estimates from the Department of Energy, the proposed 1,700-mile pipeline could move at least 830,000 barrels of oil per day. We currently import about half of that amount from the Middle East, which is unacceptably high. Without approval of projects like Keystone, however, it is likely to go even higher.

Research has already been done that indicates no harmful effects on the environment from its construction. No fewer than three times, extensive environmental impact studies issued findings affirming the project would have “no significant impact” on the environment. Unfortunately, approval has still been delayed. If we continue to hold up TransCanada and require even more unnecessary environmental studies, it sets an expectation for future construction projects. It wouldn’t be surprising for similar pipeline applications to be delayed or not even submitted, costing us even more jobs. These needless regulations and pointless delays must be lifted.

It’s time for the State Department and White House to acknowledge the value of the Keystone project and approve its construction. Through this partnership with our allies in Canada, the pipeline would be a vital step toward creating good paying jobs, strengthening our national security and lowering fuel prices. This project is beneficial for domestic energy supply, creates much-needed jobs for hardworking Americans and boosts economic growth. We must resolve this ridiculous situation once and for all and let construction begin.

SPR Notes Lankford’s Cite Of ‘Serious’ IRS Problem

Southern Political Report

Oklahoma: Lankford disputes IRS problem “solved.”  US Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD), the ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, said Monday that the problems at the Internal Revenue Service were “solved,” as a result of a statement by a long-time Republican at the IRS that there was no political motivation in the agency’s targeting procedures. But GOPers were quick to jump back at Cummings. US Rep. James Lankford (R-OK) said, “The American people know instinctively that there is a serious problem at the Internal Revenue Service and that this is the moment to resolve the issue – not sweep it under the rug,” reports The Hill.

Lankford Wants All The IRS Scandal Facts

In response to comments by the Ranking Member Elijah Cummings (D-MD) of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform yesterday, Congressman James Lankford released the following statement:

“The American people know instinctively that there is a serious problem at the Internal Revenue Service and that this is the moment to resolve the issue — not sweep it under the rug. We now know that many offices were involved in the political targeting of Americans, but we have not identified the specific individuals, we have not seen all the facts and we have not fixed the problem.

“Day after day, the White House has told the American people that ‘the President is interested in getting all the facts’ and ‘are interested in legitimate congressional oversight. No one — from either party — should try to rush to judgment, declare the case ‘solved’ or have the audacity to say the American people should  ‘move on’.   The IRS investigation should ‘move on’ based on the facts.”

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Congressman Jim Bridenstine of Tulsa has stirred things up with some recent comments.

Matt McKay Joins Lankford As Field Representative

Congressman James Lankford announced today that Field Representative Matthew J. McKay has joined his Oklahoma City district office.

Coburn’s IRS Criticism Justified As Scandal Grows

Senator Tom Coburn has said for years the Internal Revenue Service is out of control.

Cole And Others Object To ‘Redskins’ Name

Congressman Tom Cole and others say they’re tired of the Washington “Redskins” and want the name changed.

Inhofe: They’ll Not Pull ‘A Chris Christie’ On Me

Politico

Lankford: Your Folks Are Counting On You In Their Retirement

Congressman James Lankford recently addressed the 2013 graduating class of Oklahoma Baptist University; here’s his two-minute video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXJ8y1MRG3o&feature=youtu.be

Cole Reiterates Keystone XL Pipeline Support

Congressman Cole’s Office

Congressman Tom Cole has reiterated his support for the Keystone XL pipeline.

He issued the following statement supporting passage of H.R. 3, the Northern Route Approval Act. After 1700 days awaiting application approval from the State Department, this legislation would finally allow TransCanada to begin building a pipeline that would extend from Alberta, Canada to the Gulf Coast and include a port in Cushing, Oklahoma.

“I am pleased that my colleagues in the House continue fighting for construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline,” said Cole. “Not only is the project a wise investment in the future of American energy production, but it also strengthens our national security by reducing dependence on foreign oil. Through TransCanada’s willingness to invest $7 billion to begin construction, this pipeline project would directly create 20,000 jobs without expending any federal dollars. Through this expansion with our allies in Canada, the pipeline would be a vital step toward creating much-needed jobs, tightening our national security and lowering fuel prices.

“Members on both sides of the aisle in the House and Senate have voted numerous times to approve TransCanada’s application and permit construction of the pipeline. Research has already been done that ensures no harmful effects on the environment from its construction, so needless regulations and time delays must be lifted. It’s time for the State Department and White House to acknowledge the value of this project and approve its construction.”