Landrieu: Battle to Build Keystone Not Over

Statement

U.S. Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., chair of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, issued the following statement after the Republican leader rejected a deal to quickly vote upon the bipartisan energy efficiency bill and binding legislation to immediately authorize the construction of the Keystone pipeline, authored by Sen. Landrieu and Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D.

A long-time supporter of the Keystone pipeline, Sen. Landrieu has continued increase support for the approval of the pipeline, particularly from Democratic Senators. Today, there are 11 Senate Democrats supporting the pipeline, up from only three when Sen. Landrieu led 50 Senators writing to then Sec. Hillary Clinton to approve the pipeline.

"The Keystone pipeline and the energy efficiency legislation are two significant steps that should be taken now to enhance our energy security and boost job creation throughout the country. Building a more aggressive domestic energy policy that will create thousands of high paying jobs and position North America as an energy powerhouse will take more cooperation than was demonstrated tonight. Mitch McConnell has to be willing to take "yes' for an answer," Sen. Landrieu said.

"This is just the latest skirmish, and the battle to build Keystone is not over. Sen. Hoeven and I will continue to lead the broad coalition of businesses and labor leaders, civic organization and senators from both parties to build the Keystone pipeline and the energy infrastructure and create the jobs our country needs."

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