WASHINGTON –U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) released the following statement after President Obama vetoed the bipartisan legislation approving the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline. 

“The Keystone pipeline would bring a reliable supply of energy into our country – providing opportunity, creating jobs and lowering the cost to ship goods, products and crops. The idea that Congress is sidestepping the normal process is out-of-touch with reality. This project has been studied for more than six years and has been given the green light at every obstacle. Arkansans and all Americans can see that President Obama is the real hurdle to Keystone. I will continue to support this project, and I urge the Senate to quickly vote to override this veto.” 

Background: Boozman is a strong supporter of the Keystone XL 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. Boozman has repeatedly urged the administration to stop delaying the permit for construction of the pipeline. 

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.