AJC Hails Congressional Approval of Keystone XL Pipeline

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Feb 12, 2015, 09:30 ET

NEW YORK, Feb. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AJC hailed the passage by both houses of Congress of legislation approving construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline, and urged President Obama to sign the bill into law. AJC has long supported the pipeline.

"The Keystone XL pipeline is critically important for U.S. energy security, the economy and relations with Canada, our neighbor and ally," said AJC Executive Director David Harrris. "President Obama should reconsider his declared intention to veto the legislation approving the pipeline construction."

U.S. government approval of the pipeline crossed a hurdle nearly a year ago when the State Department issued a Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement concluding that the pipeline was not likely to have adverse repercussions.

AJC supports a multifaceted approach to energy security that includes support for enhanced efficiency and conservation standards, promotion of alternative fuels and technologies, and development of domestic and neighboring fossil fuel sources.

Canada is the United States' largest trading partner, and already provides oil through other pipelines. Transporting oil via pipelines is safer, more energy efficient, and more reliable than importing through tankers from the Middle East or elsewhere.

SOURCE American Jewish Committee