Energy Institute Kicks Off Keystone Lost Opportunity Tour

After six years, communities along the Keystone XL pipeline route are still waiting for the jobs, opportunities, and revenue that the pipeline will bring, comments the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. To help share their stories and build support for the pipeline, the Chamber’s Institute for 21st Century Energy was touring the pipeline route the week of Sept. 14.

The Keystone XL Pipeline Lost Opportunity Tour started Sept. 15 at the Canada/Montana border and ended Sept. 19 at what would be the connection point near the Nebraska/Kansas border. Sept. 19 marked the sixth anniversary of TransCanada’s first application to build the pipeline. The tour visited cities, towns, ranches, and businesses near the pipeline that will benefit from construction and continued operation. The Energy Institute shared stories on the Web, on social media, and through digital advertising.

“For six long years, the Obama administration has failed to make a decision on the Keystone XL pipeline,” said Karen Harbert, president and CEO of the Institute for 21st Century Energy. “Our tour will demonstrate that there are consequences for this inaction. Not only has America been forced to buy millions of barrels of oil from unfriendly sources, but Americans along the pipeline route and across the nation have been denied thousands of jobs, millions in revenue, and countless opportunities.”

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce notes that the mission of its Institute for 21st Century Energy is to unify policymakers, regulators, business leaders, and the American public behind a common-sense energy strategy to help keep America secure, prosperous, and clean. Through policy development, education, and advocacy, the institute seeks to build support for meaningful action at the local, state, national, and international levels.