Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires the Secretary of Commerce to approve any pipeline application pending approval unless such approval would not be in United States national security interests.

Highlights:

• Prohibits an executive order from requiring a presidential permit for the construction, connection, operation, or maintenance of an oil or natural gas pipeline, an electric transmission facility, or any cross-border segment (Sec. 6).

• Prohibits an individual from constructing, connecting, operating, or maintaining a cross-border segment of an oil pipeline or electric transmission facility to or from Canada or Mexico without obtaining a certificate of crossing (Sec. 3).

• Requires the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Energy to issue a certificate of crossing no later than 120 days after a certificate request is received for an oil pipeline unless the construction, connection, operation, or maintenance of the cross-border segment is not in the “public interest” of the United States (Sec. 3).

• Authorizes the export or import of natural gas to or from Canada or Mexico without an order of approval (Sec. 4).

Full Bill Text

Full Bill Text