Lankford Decries Biden Administration’s Immediate Obstruction of Keystone XL

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator James Lankford (R-OK) issued the following statement following President Joe Biden’s climate change-related Executive Action, which includes a revocation of the cross-border permit for the Keystone XL pipeline:

“The Keystone XL is the physical embodiment of Democrats’ crusade against traditional energy. President Biden wasted no time turning back years of Americans’ hard work developing, ironing out the route, and building this trans-border pipeline,” said Lankford. “The southern leg of Keystone, which begins in Cushing, Oklahoma, has been complete for more than six years, but the northern leg of the pipeline—under the strictest pipeline safety standards ever implemented—has faced countless delays. Pipelines are the safest way to transport oil. Yesterday’s irrational denial of the Keystone XL permit damages our relationship with Canada and will lead to higher prices at the pump for consumers. While Oklahomans want to see the US continue to pursue an all-of-the-above energy policy, we also understand that currently our cars and trucks run on oil. Limiting access to an oil pipeline kills jobs and limits our energy supply. Kicking people who work in the energy sector on day-one may help progressive politics, but in Oklahoma, we know our jobs and livelihoods are next. ”

In April 2019, Lankford supported President Trump’s Executive Orders to promote energy infrastructure and economic growth. In December 2018, Lankford joined 43 Members of Congress in a letter to President Trump urging him to take necessary action to move forward on the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline after a federal judge issued a decision that blocked its construction in November 2018. In 2015, Lankford spoke on the Senate floor in support of pro-growth, fact-based energy policy. 

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