Who Supports the Keystone XL? You Do!
Mark Green
Posted July 9, 2013
API’s new advertising campaign launched this week underscores the broad support in America for construction of the full Keystone XL pipeline. Here’s our new television ad:
During a conference call with reporters, Cindy Schild, API’s downstream operations senior manager for refining and oil sands, noted the bipartisan support the Keystone XL project enjoys:
“Keystone XL is one rare national issue that attracts consistent support across the political spectrum. The new ads review the long list of prominent Keystone XL backers from public figures like Warren Buffett, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush to editorial boards like the Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today. Eighty-two percent of American voters support Keystone XL construction and the support is strong across all political identifications. About 8 in 10 Independents and Democrats agree that the pipeline is in our national interest.”
Here’s a new ad emphasizing the breadth and depth of Keystone XL’s support:
The reasons Keystone XL has this kind of backing are worth repeating:
- Jobs – More than 42,000 average annual jobs in the U.S. across the project’s construction period, according to the State Department’s most recent analysis.
- Spending - $3.3 billion in direct spending on construction and materials – again, according to State’s report.
- Energy – More than 800,000 barrels of oil per day from the U.S. Bakken region and Canada’s oil sands.
- Energy security – Keystone XL would strengthen our energy partnership with neighbor and ally Canada, making America more energy secure.
Schild:
“This pipeline could have been built twice already. You look at job creation, I mean, you’re looking at one pipeline project that has taken nearly five years – it’s still in review. Normally, 18 months, 24 months, every other pipeline project that crosses our borders has been approved. This should be no different, particularly when you look at the different safety measures that are being employed.”
It’s time, Mr. President. Past time, really. The Keystone XL is a no-brainer in terms of job creation, economic growth and energy. All are reasons 82 percent of Americans believe the project clearly is in the national interest. Politically, the Keystone XL is a slam dunk. Schild:
“Four out of four State Department assessments have affirmed the project is safe for the environment. Bipartisan majorities in both chambers of Congress voted to support the approval of the pipeline. There is no question the economic, energy security and national security benefits of Keystone XL serve our national interests. All that remains is for President Obama to heed the overwhelming public support and decisive evidence accumulated over almost five years of study and move forward with Keystone XL.”
About The Author
Mark Green joined API after a career in newspaper journalism, including 16 years as national editorial writer for The Oklahoman in the paper’s Washington bureau. Previously, Mark was a reporter, copy editor and sports editor at an assortment of newspapers. He earned his journalism degree from the University of Oklahoma and master’s in journalism and public affairs from American University. He and his wife Pamela have two grown children and six grandchildren.