From our partner, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI). Keystone XL Pipeline Legislation in First Week of 114th Congress On Tuesday, January 6th, both the Senate and the House of Representatives will convene for the start of the 114th Congress. Leadership in both the House and the Senate has indicated that action on the Keystone XL Pipeline will be a top priority in the new Congress. Accordingly, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will hold its first hearing and vote of the 114th Congress this week to consider legislation to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline. On January 7th at 10:00 am, the Committee will hold a hearing on pending legislation which is reported to be identical to version that failed a cloture vote in the Senate by one vote at the end of the 113th Congress. Following the hearing, the Committee is scheduled to mark-up the legislation on Thursday, January 8th at 10:00 am. New Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has committed that the Keystone XL legislation will be the first item considered on the Senate floor in the 114th Congress. Several House Democrats, including Congressmen DeFazio (D-OR), Pallone (D-NJ) and Grijalva (D-AZ) sent a letter to Speaker Boehner (R-OH) asking for new beginnings on the Keystone XL legislation and note that an early vote would be premature given several unresolved lawsuits and the recent plunge in oil prices. NCAI Resolution MKE-11-030 opposes the pipeline project and states tribal concerns on the impact to cultural and natural resources. The proposed construction route of the Keystone XL Pipeline through tribal lands will have negative impacts on cultural places, aquifers, and the environment, while contributing little economic benefit to the country overall. NCAI is urging Congress and the Administration to instead take measures to develop both traditional and renewable energy projects in concert with tribal nations. While working to further develop renewable sources, specific focus should also be placed on sustainable energy solutions that include clean alternative energy and improving energy efficiency. Please contact your Members in Congress to urge them to vote against the Keystone XL pipeline. NCAI Contact Information: ncai.org Colby Duren, Legislative Associate - [email protected]
Posted on: Mon, 05 Jan 2015 22:06:00 +0000
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