Lance Statement on Keystone XL Pipeline Rejection

WASHINGTON, D.C. --- Congressman Leonard Lance (NJ-07), member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, released the following statement after the Obama Administration rejected the Keystone XL pipeline:

“Rejecting the Keystone XL pipeline harms American consumers, American workers and our largest trading partner and ally Canada while helping our adversary China, which will undoubtedly benefit from the flow of Canadian crude west instead of into the United States.  The President’s decision today is irresponsible and Congress must overturn it.”

Recent studies from the President’s own U.S. State Department outline some of the benefits that would come with the project, including more than 42,000 direct and indirect jobs including 3,900 construction jobs, and an estimated $3.4 billion boost to the economy.  Two thorough environmental analyses also showed that the proposed Keystone XL pipeline would have a minimal impact on the environment.