Rep. Noem Cosponsors Legislation to Approve Keystone XL Pipeline

Press Release

Rep. Kristi Noem announced today that she has joined a bipartisan group of House members in cosponsoring legislation to approve construction of the Keystone XL pipeline by taking the approval out of President Obama's hands.

"It's been four and a half years since this project was first proposed and Americans and stakeholders have waited long enough," said Rep. Noem. "Keystone XL will result in thousands of jobs for hard-working Americans, as well as millions of dollars injected into the economy. The President has shown that he is unwilling to act in a timely matter, so it's time to find another way."

H.R. 3, the Northern Route Approval Act, originally introduced by Rep. Lee Terry (R-NE), removes the need for a presidential permit for the northern portion of the Keystone XL pipeline, which is planned to run from the Canadian border to Steele City, Nebraska.

This legislation also states that the final environmental impact statement issued by the Secretary of State on August 26, 2011 satisfies all requirements and also takes into consideration the Nebraska re-route.

Rep. Noem has continued to be a vocal supporter of the Keystone XL project. Earlier this month, Noem sent a letter to Secretary of State Kerry requesting he support immediate approval of the project. This letter was sent in response to the most recent State Department environmental report released March 1.

Noem also joined over 145 House members in signing a letter to President Obama encouraging immediate approval following Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman's approval of the pipeline route in January.

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