Blog: Keystone Bill is the Wrong Energy Priority

Statement

I have long called for a "do it all, do it right" energy strategy that invests not only in traditional energy sources but allows us to maximize our potential when it comes to renewable sources, like solar and wind. That's one reason I'm so disappointed that for the third week, the Senate has been debating a bill that would mandate approval of the Keystone XL Pipeline. Keystone doubles down on foreign oil imports rather than moving our nation forward, and it fails to create the jobs of the future or enable us to become energy independent. Congress has no business requiring action on a pipeline for a private, foreign corporation.

I supported debating this bill because the Majority Leader promised to allow an open amendment process. I have long believed that senators on both sides of the aisle have abused the filibuster, and I have been outspoken about the need for reform. At the beginning of a new session of Congress, I thought it was important to take the Majority Leader at his word - even though I opposed the bill itself.

But I also believe that if we are going to debate energy, we should be considering ways we can move our country's energy policy forward. I have introduced an amendment to create hundreds of thousands of jobs by setting a national Renewable Electricity Standard, requiring utilities to generate 25 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2025. New Mexico and over half the states have wildly successful policies just like it. Many of my fellow senators have introduced good amendments as well. However, before we could even consider those amendments, the Leader began pushing to shut down debate. I was proud that last night, a majority of senators joined with me and -- twice -- refused to allow that to happen. Now, I will be pushing over the coming days for the Senate leaders to give my amendment -- and the many other deserving proposals and changes to this controversial Keystone bill -- the thoughtful consideration the American people demand from the Senate.

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