Floridians press for final approval of Keystone XL

Consumer Energy Alliance-Florida Executive Director Kevin Doyle spoke with Historic City News Thursday, challenging the Obama Administration’s five year delay on approving the Keystone XL pipeline project.

During a press conference at the Florida State Capitol this week, Doyle was joined by Florida House Energy and Utilities Subcommittee Chairman, Jose Felix Diaz; Florida Representative Mike Hill, President and CEO of Associated Industries of Florida, Tom Feeney, and Beth Richardson, Head, Political, Economic and Public Affairs Section, Consulate General of Canada.

Click here for more information about the Keystone XL pipeline project.

“Working together with Associated Industries of Florida, CEA submitted over 24,000 comments from Floridians that support the Keystone XL project,” Doyle told local Historic City News reporters. “Floridians have clearly said to the Administration — we need jobs, we need a stronger economy, and we need to build the Keystone XL pipeline.”

Its supporters say the Keystone XL pipeline will be the safest pipeline ever built in the United States; utilizing 59 additional safety measures beyond what is required by federal law. Five separate environmental reviews certified the pipeline would have minimal impact on the environment.

“We can all agree that Florida’s consumers need stable and affordable energy supplies,” said Chairman Jose Diaz. “The Keystone XL pipeline will help us by providing a cheaper, more stable source of energy that will benefit consumers in every sector of our economy – here in Florida and across the nation.”

Pipeline construction will help create more than 42,000 jobs nationwide — including 9,000 construction jobs building the pipeline. For a sagging US economy, the project is estimated to infuse about $20 billion in new economic growth.

“The Keystone XL project presents Americans – and Floridians – with a valuable opportunity,” said Rep. Mike Hill. “President Barack Obama needs to approve the Keystone XL pipeline, and the White House needs to end the delay.”

With a predicted 830,000 barrels of oil per day that will flow through the pipeline once completed, US reliance on Venezuelan and Middle Eastern oil will be reduced; dramatically improving the nation’s energy security.

“AIF is proud to join the more than 24,000 Floridians that submitted comments to the Administration recently, urging the White House to approve construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline because it will supply reliable, affordable energy to millions of consumers across the United States,” said Tom Feeney. “AIF believes Florida needs projects like Keystone XL to better address our state’s future energy needs.”

Canada-Florida bilateral trade hit $8 billion last year, and over 200 Canadian companies provide direct employment to over 27,500 people across the state. Snowbirds and tourists contribute billions to the Florida economy every year. Florida’s largest imports from Canada are oil sands and petrochemical products. Gulf Coast refiners in Florida will turn the crude oil into gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, home heating oil, propane and kerosene; helping reduce fuel prices for families coast to coast.

“Canada is an important neighbor, and the most significant trading partner for the US and Florida,” said Beth Richardson. “It is important for Canada and the State of Florida to work together in support of North American energy security — now and for the future.”

Consumer Energy Alliance brings together consumers, producers and manufacturers to engage in a meaningful dialogue about America’s energy future. Our mission is to help ensure stable prices for consumers and energy security. We believe energy development is something that touches everyone in our nation, and thus it is necessary for all consumers to actively engage in the conversation about how we develop and diversify our energy resources and energy’s importance to the economy. CEA promotes a thoughtful dialogue to help produce our abundant energy supply, and balance our energy needs with our nation’s environmental and conservation goals.