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Wilson Supports Building Keystone XL Pipeline to Create Permanent Jobs

January 9, 2015

(West Columbia, SC) – Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) today released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 3, the Keystone XL Pipeline Act, to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline:

"A majority of Americans support building the Keystone XL Pipeline to create jobs and strengthen our nation's energy security, yet President Obama continues to block this critical infrastructure project that has been delayed for over six years. The most environmentally secure means to transport oil is by pipeline, and this project has overwhelming bipartisan support.

"The Keystone XL Pipeline means hundreds of real jobs right here in South Carolina's Second Congressional District, where companies like Michelin Tire Corporation in Lexington and MTU America in Graniteville produce the earthmover tires and engines used for Canadian oil sand development. Also, the Colonial Pipeline in North Augusta reduces gas prices for consumers locally.

"It is my hope that the President will support the priorities of the American people, rather than his own agenda, and approve the Keystone XL Pipeline to create permanent jobs, grow our economy, and promote energy independence."

H.R. 3, which passed the House by a vote of 266-153, authorizes the construction, connection, operation, and maintenance of the Keystone XL Pipeline. H.R. 3 is the tenth time the House has voted to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline.

In the Second Congressional District of South Carolina, nearly 500 employees of Michelin Tire Corporation in Lexington make the tires that are shipped to Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada to be used for oil sand recovery. MTU America in Graniteville produces the engines used for oil sand recovery, representing over 300 jobs in Aiken County.

According to the State Department's Environmental Impact Statement, the Keystone XL Pipeline would support approximately 42,100 jobs (direct, indirect, and induced), and approximately $2 billion in earnings throughout the nation.

According to the Department of Energy, the Keystone XL Pipeline would be able to move up to 830,000 barrels of oil per day. This represents about half the amount the U.S. imports from the Middle East.