LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and the Associated Industries of Arkansas with its partner Consumer Energy Alliance submitted today to federal officials 8,920 public comments from Arkansas residents supporting the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline. The grassroots effort is part of a nationwide drive that includes support from over 400,000 people in all 50 states.
Consumer’s support is motivated by both economic and national security reasons. Winter weather and continuous upheaval in foreign hotspots like Venezuela, Ukraine and the Middle East influence price spikes.
“Dependable and affordable energy is critical to manufacturing,” said Randy Zook, President and CEO of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce. “We support the Keystone XL Pipeline because it will supply reliable, affordable supplies of energy to millions of consumers across the United States. Stable supplies of fuel help companies with overhead costs, remain competitive globally, and keep our economy running.”
Consumer advocate Michael Whatley argues energy self-sufficiency will insulate the United States from mayhem abroad.
“Keystone XL will displace energy from our enemies for energy from our ally,” said Michael Whatley, executive vice president for Consumer Energy Alliance. “Energy prices are influenced by global events. Transforming North America into energy self-sufficiency dampens the price spikes caused by upheaval overseas. The comments we are submitting today from thousands of Arkansans reflect what people across the country are saying: We need jobs, we need a stronger economy, and we need to build the Keystone XL pipeline.”
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.
Permit Needed for Construction
The Keystone XL Pipeline received approval from Canada’s National Energy Board in 2010, but the project also requires a Presidential Permit from the U.S. Department of State because it crosses an international border.