Warkentin hails Keystone XL Pipeline decision

Nov 21, 2017 | 2:51 PM

Grande Prairie–Mackenzie Member of Parliament Chris Warkentin has hailed Nebraska government’s decision to approve the alternative route for the Keystone XL pipeline.

“The Keystone XL pipeline is an important step in building additional capacity to export Alberta oil,” Warkentin said in a press release from his parliamentary office.

“Alberta provides a safe, ethical, and environmentally responsible source of energy that Canadians are proud of. This pipeline offers our energy industry greater access to global markets.”

Alberta Premier Rachel Notley heralded Monday’s news also, saying the 830,000-barrel-a-day pipeline would improve things for oil producers.

According to The Canadian Press, she said it would allow “a cheaper route to U.S. markets,” but also stated Canada still needs more pipeline routes to new markets.

Warkentin said the Liberal government must ensure Canada’s regulatory process encourages infrastructure investment.

“Projects like Energy East, and increasingly, the TransMountain expansion, have suffered due to the Liberal government constantly moving the goal posts for approval,” he said in the release.

“We have seen that there is demand for Canadian energy,” Warkentin said, “What we need now is for the Trudeau government to champion our natural resources, encourage development, and reduce regulatory red tape for energy companies to invest in Canada.”

With files from The Canadian Press

by Jordan Parker