WASHINGTON –U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) released the following statement after voting to override President Obama’s veto of bipartisan legislation approving the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline: 

“Instead of taking a stand for American workers and energy independence, President Obama and his allies in the Senate are siding with far-left environmentalists who continue to stall a project that has been proven, in test after test, to be one of the safest means of transportation. 

This is the type of commonsense, job creating infrastructure project that America needs. It will create well-paying jobs for skilled laborers, at no expense to the taxpayers, and in fact has already created hundreds of jobs in Arkansas, all the while helping get oil on the market from one of our closest allies. 

The majority of Congress supports this project. As do the majority of Americans. We will continue to pursue bipartisan ways to get the Keystone XL Pipeline moving and make President Obama stand up for the interests of hardworking Americans, instead of a small group of vocal donors.” 

Background: Boozman is a strong supporter of the Keystone XL Pipeline. Boozman has repeatedly urged the administration to stop delaying the permit for construction of the pipeline.  In January, he cosponsored legislation that passed the Senate by a strong 62-36 bipartisan vote, and he delivered a floor speech urging its approval. The President vetoed that bill last week and today’s override attempt failed by a vote of 62-37. 

The Obama Administration has conducted five environmental reviews of the Keystone XL Pipeline, over more than a six-year period. Each review has determined that the pipeline project would have no significant environmental impact. In fact, the latest review shows that transportation of oil through this modern pipeline will reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by 28 to 42 percent, when compared with alternative transportation options. This review also found that development of these oil resources will continue whether the oil is shipped to the United States or to our overseas competitors.