Energy costs, security and consumption are on the minds of Missourians every day. We see the effects of poor energy policy every time we fill up our vehicles at the local service station. Increases in fuel costs drive up prices for transportation fees and are passed along to consumers in every product we purchase. A way to combat this issue and to work toward becoming more energy independent is to increase the supply of fuel we produce in North America.
Recently, I sponsored Senate Concurrent Resolution 21 that encourages our federal delegation to continue development and construction on the Keystone XL pipeline extension in order to utilize our country’s vast resources
The original Keystone pipeline began in Canada in 2005. It originated in Canada and has pipelines that run to Illinois and Oklahoma. Many are not aware there is already one Keystone pipeline that runs through Missouri. However, it is important that our long-term energy policy include increases to supply and access to North American fuel.
Although the main branch of the Keystone pipeline is in Canada, according to economists, 90 cents of every dollar spent on the project will eventually end up back in this country. Canada serves as a friendly neighbor to our country, sitting between the Alaskan pipelines and refineries. Plans for the Keystone XL pipeline extension have been in development since 2008. This new branch of the Keystone pipeline would increase supply to a major oil hub in Oklahoma. Linking the pipelines at that point would lower the transportation costs for fuel to be refined in Cushing, Oklahoma.
Through this major project, more than 20,000 jobs would be created to complete the length of the extension. Missourians will have opportunities for employment on the pipeline and will create jobs throughout the region for many years, helping not only our state, but also the national economy.
Across the country, the Keystone XL pipeline extension would have positive effects. Through increasing production of American fuels, we decrease our dependence on foreign oil. Although we must continue to work toward reducing our fuel consumption through renewable and alternative sources of energy, we will still require petroleum-based fuels for many years to come.
As energy and fuel costs continue to rise, SCR 21 will stress to Congress that Missourians want to get serious about increasing oil production, lowering costs, and creating jobs. Our lives depend on fuel and energy consumption, from our vehicles to our homes. We must be proactive and take a positive step in the direction of self-reliance and urge Congress to get serious about our long term energy policies.
As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or 573-751-2272, or by fax at 573-526-7381.
Senator David Pearce serves Bates, Cass, Johnson and Vernon counties in the 31st State Senatorial District.
