The decision by Nebraska’s governor to OK a new route through his state for the Keystone XL pipeline is based on a factual assessment of the project’s safety, as well as the economic benefits that would accrue. Fuel Fix.com has news coverage here. In a notification letter to President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Gov. Dave Heineman wrote that his state’s Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) found:

• Construction and operation of Keystone XL, with builder TransCanada’s commitments to safety, “would have minimal environmental impacts in Nebraska.” NDEQ said the new Keystone XL route avoids the sensitive Sand Hills as well as fragile soils in the northern part of the state.
• The pipeline’s construction would bring to the state more than $418 million in economic... more »

A warm shout out to our friends in Canada, where today they celebrate Canada Day, marking the anniversary of the formation of the union of the British North American provinces back in 1867. Canadians will spend the day picnicking, attending parades and watching fireworks.

Here in the United States, let's celebrate the fact we have Canada as our No. 1 energy partner - supplying more crude oil than any other country (21 percent of imports to Saudi Arabia's 12 percent). Thanks, Canada, for providing dependable and safe energy that translates into security, U.S. and Canadian jobs and mutual economic growth.

The fact is Canada is key to America's energy present and future. With the right domestic policies and construction of the Keystone XL pipeline - delivering upwards of 833,000 barrels of oi... more »