House Passes Senate Version of Keystone Approval Bill

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed S.1, the Keystone XL Pipeline Approval Act. This Senate-passed legislation would force construction approval of the Keystone XL pipeline and remove the presidential permit requirement. In light of today's passage in the House, the bill will be sent to the president's desk for consideration.

"At the start of the new Congress last month, the House immediately voted again on legislation to address the president's inaction on Keystone and to release thousands of jobs to the American people," said Cole. "More than six years since TransCanada's application was first submitted and with studies showing no significant impact on the environment, it is high time for President Obama to approve construction of the northern route of the pipeline.

"While the president has stated his intention to veto this bipartisan, bicameral legislation, I hope that he reconsiders and chooses the way of the American people, rather than catering to environmental extremists," concluded Cole.

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