AFPM American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers : Applauds Actions by Congress to Advance Keystone XL Pipeline

WASHINGTON - American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers President Charles T. Drevna today welcomed passage of the North American Energy Access Act by the House Energy and Commerce Committee in a 33-20 bipartisan vote. The bill would require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to issue a permit for the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline within 30 days of receiving an application.

'Today's vote marks an important step forward to enable American refineries and American workers to do more to serve consumers by manufacturing vital fuels and other products that make modern life possible,' Drevna said. 'By bringing 700,000 barrels of oil each day to U.S. refineries on the Gulf Coast from oil fields in Canada, North Dakota and Montana, the Keystone XL pipeline will enhance America's national, economic and energy security.'

Drevna continued: 'Although American refineries would use nearly all of the oil transported by the Keystone XL pipeline to manufacture fuels and other products for American consumers and businesses, it would also allow them to continue to export a portion of their products. For the first time in more than 60 years, the United States is a net exporter and the Keystone XL pipeline will help our nation maintain this position, as well as create jobs for American workers, lower the trade deficit and increase American tax revenues.'