Steve Daines: “Thank you, Mr. Johnson for leading tonight's leadership hour on American energy. This is an issue of great importance to…”

“Thank you, Mr. Johnson for leading tonight's leadership hour on American energy. This is an issue of great importance to the people of Montana, and I'm glad we're having this discussion tonight. 1678. That's how many days it's been since the application to build the Keystone XL pipeline was filed. It took Canada seven months to approve the pipeline. President Obama has taken over four and a half years. Study after study has shown that not only is the pipeline safe--but it said to be the most advanced, state-of-the art pipeline ever constructed. And the benefits of constructing this pipeline go beyond just transporting oil. Earlier this month, I was in Glasgow, Montana visiting NorVal Electric Co-op. Members of the co-op told me that they are going to be supplying electricity to pump stations for the KXL, allowing them to spread their cost burdens and hold rates steady for customers. If Obama does not approve the Keystone pipeline, their customers will see upwards of a 40 percent increase in their utility rates over the next ten years. This is a great example of how this will impact everyday Americans. It will create thousands of jobs--at least 800 in my home state of Montana alone. And the president still can't make a decision. Last month, the U.S. State Department issued its Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for the Keystone XL Presidential Permit application, which confirmed what we already knew.…”