Today, House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.), HEAT Co-Chairs Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.) and Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), and HEAT member Rep. Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.) released the following statements after TC Energy Corp. announced Wednesday that it would scrap the Keystone XL pipeline project. The announcement follows President Biden's reckless decision to rescind a permit for the pipeline on his first day in office.
"Today's announcement officially scrapping the Keystone Pipeline was intentionally caused by President Biden's destructive decision to pander to his extremist radical base at the expense of hard-working Americans," said Whip Scalise. "This Administration has turned its back on Canada, our closest ally and strategic partner, and made us more dependent on foreign oil from countries that don't share our values. Thousands of existing jobs were immediately lost due to President Biden's decision and over 10,000 more future jobs were killed. This outcome was clearly avoidable and absolutely unnecessary. Meanwhile, President Biden lifted sanctions on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, giving a ridiculous gift to Russia with the opportunity to expand their energy influence throughout Europe. As President Biden continues his all-out assault on American energy independence, we've seen soaring prices at the gas pump and good-paying American jobs shipped away to countries which emit more carbon at dramatically higher rates than the U.S. This result will only hurt American families, make our country less secure and wipe out well-paying jobs."
"Although I am disappointed by the decision to permanently cancel the Keystone XL pipeline, I am not surprised," said Rep. Duncan. "This is a direct result of President Biden's relentless attack on American energy production. He continues to undermine U.S. jobs, competitiveness, and the security of both the U.S. and our allies all to appease the radical environmental left. While Biden is doing everything in his power to hurt American energy production, he is simultaneously giving the Nord Stream 2 pipeline a green-light towards completion and playing right into the hands of Putin. We should be prioritizing American energy infrastructure, not that of the Russians."
"I am deeply disappointed that the Keystone XL pipeline has been permanently canceled," said Rep. Mullin. "Make no mistake, this is a direct result of President Biden revoking the permit on his first day in office. Now, thousands of workers will be permanently out of a job, billions in economic activity will be lost, and American energy independence is in jeopardy. President Biden's attack on fossil fuels will continue to be a disaster for the American people."
"Termination of the Keystone XL Pipeline is a win for environmental extremists and a loss for American workers," said Rep. Armstrong. "President Biden's rescission of the pipeline's permit in January was a signal to activists across the country that his administration will not defend American energy jobs and that their political attacks on energy infrastructure are ok with him. The ability to safely transport our energy resources to market is critical for the thousands of North Dakotans who rely on energy production to feed their families. I will continue to fight for energy policies that help move North Dakota and our Nation forward."