Published in Last Word
The U.S. Senate on Tuesday narrowly voted down an ACEC-backed bill that would have approved construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. Although the vote count was 59-41 in favor, 60 "Ayes" were needed to guarantee filibuster-proof passage. The House approved the measure last week.
In a letter to Senators prior to the vote, ACEC President Dave Raymond said that "passage was long overdue," State Department and environmental clearances had been achieved, the “nation should continue to embrace a wide range of energy sources,” and building the pipeline “is part of our national energy diversification.”
Click here to view Raymond’s letter to the Senate.
Following the Senate vote, House and Senate leaders pledged to bring the measure back up for a vote early in 2015, where it is expected to pass. The White House has indicated that the President may veto the bill.
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