Vote explanation: H.R. 5682 Keystone XL Pipeline I voted against H.R. 5682 because I do not think we should compromise our laws for the sake of expediency. Having Congress intervene in an ongoing permitting process and provide a special exemption for one company is neither wise, nor in the national interest. Choosing to support this bill would mean bypassing the concerns and review process of important regulatory agencies like the EPA. For example, the EPA has recommended that the State Department look at relocating the pipeline so it does not cross over the Ogallala aquifer, which is one of the largest freshwater aquifer systems in the world and supplies much of Texas with water. I believe it necessary that EPAs environmental concerns be fully considered and resolved before the State Department can make a final decision on the pipelines construction. Congress should not rush this process before the federal agency we rely on to promote environmental standards has all of its concerns with the project addressed. If Congress believes the current application for projects like the Keystone Pipeline is inefficient and outdated, we should consider legislation on the House floor that looks to streamline the process.
Posted on: Tue, 18 Nov 2014 19:42:27 +0000
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