Keystone XL Pipeline Act

Floor Speech

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Ms. CLARKE of New York. Mr. Speaker, the majority has chosen the
first week of the 114th Congress to relitigate the battles of the
previous two Congresses. This time, we're here debating whether or not
to approve a pipeline, through our nation's Heartland, carrying
Canadian tar sand oil.

There are many reasons why I'm opposed to this legislation, Mr.
Speaker, the fact that oil produced from tar sands creates 17% more
carbon emissions than other crudes; the potentially devastating impact
wrought by this heavy crude should a pipeline rupture occur; or that my
constituents are enjoying the best prices at the pump in several years
without the completion of this pipeline due to the record glut in
global oil supply.

Without even getting into the disappointing number of permanent jobs
created by this project, which is 50, Mr. Speaker; the President has
already clearly stated that he will veto this measure should it ever
make it to his desk.

So at the end of the day Mr. Speaker, what are we really talking
about here?

It would seem to me that instead of trying to score political points
and refighting old battles, the 114th Congress should be using its
first week to bring legislation to the floor that fosters an
environment of innovation, energy diversification and an investment in
clean, domestic forms of renewable energy. Policies that would create
hundreds of thousands of new, permanent jobs while also ensuring energy
independence for years to come.

While I understand that some of my Democratic Colleagues are in
favor, I would strongly urge a ``no'' vote on this misguided
legislation.

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