By Jenna McKinney, Montana Petroleum Association

 The Montana Petroleum Association (MPA) applauds the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel that recently ruled the injunction put in place last fall by U.S. District Court Judge Brian Morris is no longer in effect. This decision comes shortly after the Trump administration issued a new Presidential Permit on March 29, 2019. The new permit supersedes the previous permit and allows TransCanada to now continue construction of the Keystone XL pipeline project.

The continued delays of the Keystone XL pipeline project have gone on since the first Presidential Permit was issued in 2008. In Montana the four year permitting process resulted in a Major Facilities Siting Act permit in 2012, seven years ago. The initial hold ups were due to standard protocols for Environmental Impact Studies (EIS) and determining the most advantageous route for the pipeline to go from Canada to Houston, TX. The subsequent delays and court appeals have become a battle ground for political gamesmanship and conflicting ideologies. The Keystone XL pipeline project is one example of how political posturing has harmed our economy by stifling employment and slowing reasonable access to markets. With a projected $3.4 billion added to the U.S. GDP, and the creation of tens of thousands of jobs, isn’t it time for the Keystone XL to be built?

Montana Petroleum Association Executive Director, Alan Olson responded to the news with, “Oil and gas development and industry growth means significant job opportunities for Montanans, it means energy independence for America, and provides responsible, safe, and efficient transportation for the oil and gas industry.  We appreciate the Trump Administration’s support of Keystone XL pipeline and the Oil and Gas industry.”