On the recordMay 22, 2013
There are two realities here. Number one is that on the process of obtaining the bitumen, the crude that comes and will be put into the pipeline, that process is becoming more efficient all the time and decreasing its carbon footprint. But what's produced is equal to a heavy crude. That's what the State Department, under the appropriate rules, stated or concluded, based on the environmental impact studies. It is, in essence, equal to what we're importing from Venezuela today. In essence, it's neutral. That's the State Department's own conclusions and analysis--that it would have no real impact on climate change. So the study has been completed and this amendment is not necessary. It's just another way to keep delaying. I would request a ``no'' vote.
