Stauber Statement on Keystone XL Pipeline

Press Release

Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) made the following statement after the Biden Administration issued an Executive Order to revoke the Keystone XL Pipeline permit:

"By revoking this critical permit on his very first day in office, President Biden has shown he has embraced a radical view of how to address the economic and security needs of this nation. Although he claimed to support labor unions during the campaign, this devastating policy change will eliminate thousands of good-paying union jobs for Teamsters, Operating Engineers, Laborers, and Pipefitters during an economic crisis while driving up energy costs for hardworking American families. Further, this shortsighted permit revocation sends a chilling message to pipeline and infrastructure projects nationwide, including in northern Minnesota.

"Additionally, denying our nation access to a secure and stable oil supply from Canada will undermine our national security as it will force the United States to become more dependent on oil imports from volatile foreign nations and weaken the critically important relationship with one of our most important allies.

"At this crucial junction in our nation's recovery, I urge President Biden to reconsider and allow this important project to go forward. In order to fully reemerge from this economic crisis and build a stronger future, this Administration must abandon failed Obama-era policies and support critical infrastructure projects that create union jobs, keep energy costs low, and enhance our national security."

Background:

The Keystone XL pipeline would support over 10,000 union construction jobs in the U.S. and wages are expected to exceed $2.2 billion. The Project Labor Agreement with four North American unions would ensure the project is built with well-paying union jobs.
In addition to the creation of direct American union jobs, roughly $1.6 billion in construction contracts were recently awarded to companies in Wisconsin, Montana, and Texas. In total, project expenditures are occurring with businesses in 29 states.
Keystone XL has executed a Memorandum of Understanding with North America's Building Trades Unions to construct the project's renewable power infrastructure. The project would provide $10 million in renewable energy job training for union workers and invest a total of $1.7 billion in renewable energy infrastructure.
The Keystone XL pipeline would generate over $100 million in annual property taxes for rural American communities to fund schools, infrastructure, and local services.
Keystone XL has committed over $500 million for Indigenous suppliers and employment opportunities for tribal communities.

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