TALLAHASSEE, FL – In the first of a series of “Finish the Job” events across the United States, this morning Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) held a press conference at the Florida State Capitol urging the White House to put an end to the Obama Administration’s five-year delay on approving the Keystone XL pipeline project. CEA-Florida Executive Director Kevin Doyle was joined at the press conference by Chairman Jose Felix Diaz, Florida House Energy and Utilities Subcommittee, Florida Representative Mike Hill, Tom Feeney, President and CEO, Associated Industries of Florida, and Beth Richardson, Head, Political, Economic and Public Affairs Section, Consulate General of Canada.

The following are highlights from the press conference:

“Working together with the Associated Industries of Florida, CEA submitted over 24,000 comments from Floridians that support the Keystone XL project,” said Kevin Doyle. “Similar to poll after poll of Americans that show support for the Keystone XL pipeline project, Floridians have clearly said to the Administration: we need jobs, we need a stronger economy, and we need to build the Keystone XL pipeline.”

“We can all agree that Florida’s consumers need stable and affordable energy supplies,” said Chairman Jose Diaz. “The Keystone XL pipeline will help us by providing a cheaper, more stable source of energy that will benefit consumers in every sector of our economy – here in Florida and across the nation.”

“The Keystone XL project presents Americans – and Floridians – with a valuable opportunity,” said Rep. Mike Hill. “That is why I sponsored a memorial in the Florida Legislature that calls for President Barack Obama to approve the Keystone XL pipeline. The White House needs to end the delay on approving the Keystone XL pipeline.”

“AIF is proud to join the more than 24,000 Floridians that submitted comments to the Administration recently, urging the White House to approve construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline because it will supply reliable, affordable energy to millions of consumers across the United States,” said Tom Feeney. “AIF believes Florida needs projects like Keystone XL to better address our growing state’s future energy needs.”

“Canada is an important neighbor and the most significant trading partner for the U.S. and for in Florida,” said Beth Richardson. Canada-Florida bilateral trade hit $8 billion last year, and over 200 Canadian companies provide direct employment to over 27,500 people across the state. More than thirty Florida companies supply to the Canadian oil sands, and petrochemical products remain Florida’s largest import from Canada. With Canadian companies, snowbirds and tourists contributing billions to the Florida economy every year, it is important for Canada and the state work together to support North American energy security now and for the future.”

About the Keystone XL Pipeline

  • The Keystone XL pipeline will be the safest pipeline ever built in the United States utilizing 59 additional safety measures beyond what is required by federal law.
  • Five separate environmental reviews certified the pipeline would have minimal impact on the environment.
  • Construction will help create more than 42,000 jobs nationwide including 9,000 construction jobs building the pipeline.
  • $20 billion in new economic growth for the U.S. economy.
  • 830,000 barrels of oil per day that will flow through Keystone XL will help reduce fuel prices for families coast to coast, and dramatically improve U.S. energy security by reducing reliance on Venezuelan and Middle Eastern oil.
  • Gulf Coast refiners will turn the crude oil into gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, home heating oil, propane and kerosene.