Senate Panel OKs Keystone XL Pipeline

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Jan. 8 approved legislation that would greenlight the Keystone XL oil pipeline, setting up a contentious debate on the floor of the Senate next week on a measure backed by Republican leaders and opposed by the White House.

The committee voted 13-9 to report the bill, which would approve nearly 900 miles of pipeline from Canada through Nebraska.

“It’s fair to say that the country, but also the world, is watching the United States to see if we are ready to lead as a global energy superpower,” said Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), the committee’s chairwoman.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has indicated he would expedite consideration of the bill on the floor when he calls it up for debate.

TransCanada Corp., based in Calgary, is the creator of the $5.4 billion pipeline project. It begins in Hardisty, Alberta, and extends south to Steele City, Nebraska. It since has become a proxy in a broader debate over U.S. energy security, climate change and thousands of jobs — particularly trucking.

The bill already garnered 60 sponsors, the requisite backing to overcome Senate procedural measures.

The GOP-led House scheduled a Jan. 9 vote on a similar bill.