Baldwin Objects to Oil Pipeline Shortcuts

Today, Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin voted against a bill (H. R. 1938) that would cut short the permitting process for a proposed trans-continental oil sands pipeline project that would traverse the United States from north to south. The bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 279-147-1.

Because the proposed TransCanada Keystone Gulf Coast Expansion Project (Keystone XL Project) will cross into the United States from Canada, a presidential permit issued by the U.S. Department of State is necessary for the project to proceed. As part of the permitting process, federal law requires full disclosure of potential environmental impacts (beneficial and adverse) and the consideration of possible alternatives. The legislation passed today would shorten that process, thereby limiting the time available for gathering information and evaluating the impact of the pipeline.

"Recent pipeline spills in Montana, Michigan, Alberta and smaller spills in the existing Keystone pipeline show that public comments and environmental reviews must not be arbitrarily shortened," said Congresswoman Baldwin. "The Canadian oil sands will be developed regardless of the President's decision. However, if the pipeline is to be built here in the U.S., we must ensure that it adequately protects the public and private land through which it travels," Baldwin said.

In spite of her reservations, Baldwin said, "I am pleased that a project labor agreement was reached between TransCanada and several American labor unions for the proposed pipeline. If all applicable reviews are followed, and the President determines that the Keystone XL pipeline is in our national interest, it's essential that the work be completed by highly-skilled, American workers earning a fair wage," Baldwin said.

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