Jim Renacci : Renacci Applauds Actions to Advance Keystone XL and Dakota Access Pipelines

Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Renacci (R-OH) applauded President Trump's executive action to advance the Keystone XL and Dakota Access Pipelines.

'I have always supported a comprehensive energy plan which includes natural gas, coal, and American-made oil, as well as alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, hydropower, and nuclear,' said Renacci. 'Building these two pipelines will make this energy plan a reality that will inevitably lower fuel prices for Americans. We've seen multiple studies and surveys on these pipelines proving they would have little impact on the environment or cultural heritage sites. I'm looking forward to the economic stimulation these two pipelines will spur.'

The Keystone XL Pipeline would transport crude oil from Canada to the United States for delivery to Gulf Coast refineries. Because it crosses an international border, the pipeline needs a Presidential Permit from the U.S. Department of State. Despite an in-depth State Department report concluding the pipeline would not have a significant impact on the environment or worsen carbon pollutions, President Obama chose to deny the permit on November 6, 2015.

The Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) would transport crude oil from the Bakken oil fields in North Dakota to oil tank farms in Illinois. On September 9, 2016, U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg, who was appointed by President Obama, denied a motion to stop the DAPL filed on the basis the pipeline would destroy important cultural and heritage sites. The Court found Dakota Access conducted extensive cultural surveys in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act to reroute the pipeline and protect 140 such sites, as well as worked to build the pipeline adjacent to existing utility lines and pipelines to minimize its environmental impact. Once again, despite evidence indicating the pipeline posed no irreparable harm, President Obama chose to deny an easement for the pipeline's continued construction on December 4, 2016.

Renacci has represented the 16 district of Ohio since 2011 and sits on the Ways and Means Committee and Budget Committee.