Sadly, More Opposition to Keystone Pipeline

Sadly, I received this response from one of my U.S. Florida Senators today.  He apparently has not heard the need to create jobs and energy in a good and safe way.  And apparently not enough people have told him that we are opposed to this thing because of the damages.  I have put a copy of his email back to me on the issue of the Keystone Pipeline below this and below that, a link to his website at the U.S. Senate. 

Dear Stephen,

Thank you for taking the time to contact me regarding your concerns about the Keystone XL Pipeline.

As you may know, in 2008, TransCanada Keystone Pipeline, LP proposed the creation of a network of pipelines designed to provide America with a safe and reliable supply of energy resources from one of our greatest international allies, Canada.  The final component of the three-phase project, the Keystone XL pipeline, would be capable of transporting up to 830,000 barrels of Canadian crude oil per day to refineries within the United States, increasing the total Keystone network capacity to nearly 1.3 million barrels a day. Construction of the 1,700-mile pipeline will create more than 20,000 American jobs and, once fully operational, the Keystone XL pipeline will reduce our demand for oil imported from hostile and unstable regions of the world, like the Middle East.

Although approval for the Keystone XL pipeline had been under review by the federal government for over three years, the Obama Administration announced late last year that a final decision would be further delayed until after the election in November 2012. In response to this attempt to delay a decision for his own political gain, on December 17, 2011, Congress passed legislation that I cosponsored requiring President Obama to make a decision on the Keystone XL pipeline within 60 days of the law's enactment unless he determines the pipeline is not in the national interest. However, on January 18, 2012, the Obama Administration announced that they will not approve the permits for the Keystone XL pipeline.

At a time when Florida families and businesses are struggling with staggering levels of unemployment, high energy costs, and slow economic growth, the last thing Washington should do is unnecessarily delay projects like this pipeline that would create American jobs, increase our energy security, and promote economic prosperity. Recognizing the benefits of this project, on March 8, 2012, I, along with 55 of my Senate colleagues, voted to approve the Keystone XL pipeline, while also providing for environmental protection and government oversight (Amdt. 1537 to S. 1813), however the measure failed to achieve the 60 votes required for its approval under Senate rules.

I understand the need to balance environmental concerns with economic benefits, and remain supportive of the Keystone XL pipeline and the important contribution it will make to our ailing economy and future energy security. I welcome the opportunity to continue working with my colleagues on ways to spur strong economic growth, job creation, and energy independence, and will remain mindful of your concerns as we address this, and similar issues in the 112thCongress.    

Again, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me. It is an honor and privilege to serve the people of Florida. If I can be of any further help to you, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,
Marco Rubio United States Senator

The Senate Web Form to address this senator is the only way I know to express concerns to him.  Perhaps he will listen if enough people contact him.  The URL (uniform resource locator) for the Internet site is http://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contact