BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven released the following statement today after TransCanada resubmitted its application for a presidential permit to build the Keystone XL pipeline. TransCanada filed the initial application in 2008 and is re-applying for the permit after President Barack Obama rejected it. The Administration reviewed the project for more than three years, and the project has undergone an extensive environmental review, including draft, supplemental and final environmental impact statements:

 “We need to build the Keystone XL pipeline now. At a time when gas prices are close to $4 a gallon and the latest jobs report shows sluggish growth, it is time to approve this important jobs and infrastructure project for the American people. This cannot wait until after the election.

 “The Keystone XL pipeline is a shovel-ready, $7 billion, privately-funded infrastructure project that will carry Canadian and U.S. oil to the Gulf Coast. It is positioned to create thousands of jobs, reduce dependence on Middle Eastern oil and increase our energy independence. The pipeline will boost the U.S. economy by $20 billion and pay over $5 billion in taxes to local counties. 

“This is a clear example of why energy costs are so high. We have an Administration that is holding up energy development. Instead of continuing to hold up this project, the President needs to work with Congress to approve the pipeline, and he has a good opportunity to do just that as we work to finalize the transportation bill.”

 As a member of the conference committee responsible for reconciling the House and Senate versions of the transportation legislation, Hoeven is working to move forward provisions that approve the pipeline.