US oil coalition urges Obama to allow Keystone XL
The American Petroleum Institute (API) along with more than a hundred industry organizations from across the country sent a letter to President Obama urging him to swiftly approve the Keystone XL pipeline, the groups said on Wednesday.
"As the president has said 'we can't wait' to create jobs in this weak economy," said API chief executive Jack Gerard.
"President Obama needs to show he is serious about job creation,” Gerard continued. “He can immediately put thousands of Americans to work by approving this pipeline.
“Our country needs this shovel ready project because it will create jobs, boost our national security, and spur economic growth. It's a win- win proposition. "
The letter to the White House states that "Canada is already our largest supplier of imported oil – almost 2.4 million barrels per day, or one fourth of our imports.
"With this proposed pipeline, our crude imports from Canada could reach 4 million barrels a day by 2020, twice what we currently import from the Persian Gulf," the letter continues. "Enhancing our energy partnership with Canada will strengthen America's energy future."
"We should not pass up an opportunity to secure more stable supplies of energy for our growing needs," said Gerard. "After more than three years of exhaustive reviews it's time to build this pipeline.
“Keystone has the support of organized labor, mayors and veterans groups from across the country,” Gerard added. “Many Democrats and Republicans in Congress have spoken out in support of Keystone.
“We hope these voices will be heard. President Obama needs to do the right thing and approve this project.”
API said it would also launch a new television ad that will run in key states starting this week, including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio and in Washington DC.
Click here for a preview of the TV advertisement.
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