40000 new jobs $3.4 billion into U.S. GDP
By Retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Bill Hodgkins
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas Motorists around the state and much of the nation are
seeing higher gas prices as a result of several factors that have impacted supply and availability of gas. What may be
lost in the story is how approval of the Keystone XL Pipeline would be a major boost to the U.S. economy not only because of increased supply of oil but also because of
the 10s of 1000s of new jobs it will create.
Recently news media reports have also stated that the United States tensions with Russia over Ukraine have also manifested themselves by impacting the global energy market and contributing to the draining of Americans wallets and pocketbooks at the pump.
The Keystone project would help the United States avoid gas shortages which we have had our share of in Florida and could significantly help stabilize the roller coaster ride of gas prices.
And with hurricane season quickly approaching the threat of gasoline shortages due to imported oil supply lines being interrupted remains a very real possibility.
One way for the nation to be more sure about their supply of oil and gasoline is to build the Keystone pipeline which requires approval by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry. The KXL Pipeline is estimated to deliver almost 1 million barrels of oil from Canada into the United States daily creating more than 40000 new jobs according to the State Department and providing additional energy security.
After five positive environmental reports from the U.S. State Department and years of studying the issue many Americans are eager to see approval from the White House and begin construction of the pipeline.
From a safety perspective the project would use sophisticated technology in construction and operation along with around-the-clock monitoring. According to Century Energy Ltd. the system would be monitored via satellite from 25000 data points and any shifts in pressure would be indicated allowing for valves to be closed remotely to prevent spills.
Not only does the pipeline contain safety mechanisms to ensure environmental protection and continued operation once approved The pipeline represents increased energy independence
and security for our country.
There is a clear connection between energy security energy independence and national security. We all see the instability and violence in other countries throughout the world and some of those countries are major suppliers of oil to the United States.
Canada is a trusted ally is close to home and is a reliable trading partner as opposed to some of the countries which are major suppliers of oil to the United States. If our nation misses out on this opportunity Canada will have no choice but to sell the oil that would come thru the KXL Pipeline to other countries.
Finally and according to the U.S. State Department:
- Construction of the KXL Pipeline will create more than 40000 new jobs - a boost to the economy our nation sorely needs.
- The pipelines creation is expected to pump an additional $3.4 billion into the U.S. gross domestic product.
- This also represents an opportunity to make a significant impact toward reducing our nations mounting debt.
Next time youre driving around in search of a gas station with reasonable prices remember that additional and reliable supply of oil means more stability for our energy requirements.
The Keystone XL Pipeline will improve our countrys energy independence and in so doing will improve our national security while the pipeline construction will provide a major boost
in jobs and tax revenue for the nations economy.
Its past time for Kerry to recommend approval of the Keystone XL Pipeline and for President Obama to give the go-ahead for construction.
Retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Bill Hodgkins is the former director of plans at the North American Aerospace Defense Command at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado and was a former F-15 wing commander at Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City. He currently resides in Tallahassee Florida.
