Dear Editor:
If jobs and energy independence are goals for our country, then the Keystone XL Pipeline is a step in that direction. The win/win has many facets:
One is jobs; it is estimated to create 20,000 to 30,000 good-paying union and nonunion shovel ready jobs. Those are only the direct jobs with thousands more in secondary or support services.
Two, is energy independence. While much of the oil would come from Canada there would be connecting pipelines from the Bakken Shale in North Dakota and other producing areas. Once the pipeline is complete to the Gulf oil refineries, less oil would be required from the Middle East.
Three, is trade and an improving balance of payments. According to IHS Global Insight, "shale gas has proved to be a job creator - over 600,000 from a recent study." This is making American industry more competitive in global markets and helping in our trade.
Four, is no government subsidies required with taxpayer assistance. The economic impact can be seen very quickly, with North Dakota as an example where unemployment is the lowest in the nation at 3.5 percent. Plus Oil fields have a long supply chain fostering manufacturing and service jobs.
Five, last and probably the most important is national security. Without energy independence and a competitive American industrial base with reliable sources in our supply chain, we as a nation could be very vulnerable in responding to our national security interests.
Let's support this and make it a win/win for all of us. With more jobs, we have a bigger tax base where we can continue to support our social programs and maintain our standard of living. Let's stop outsourcing our jobs. We have a great workforce and abundant energy and natural resources. All we need to do is utilize our resources properly with the right policies.
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