At a time when the future generations of this country are saddled with almost $17 trillion in debt to repay and actual unemployment flirts between 14% and 15%, we need to embrace an “all the above energy policy” that not only fortifies our national security, but also the munificent resources that grace the soils and sands of the Western Hemisphere.

Enter Canada…

We should no longer be held hostage to special interest groups and tumultuous foreign governments who have successfully kept us from developing our own oil and natural gas here in North America.  Just shy of five years ago, the Keystone XL pipeline was proposed.  This potential conduit of prosperity would create a direct connection between Canada’s ripe oil sands and U.S. refineries in the Gulf coast.  Such a connection would increase our energy security, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth.

 You see, Canada and the U.S. share more than just a long border. We share many of the same values, including a commitment to democracy, the rule of law and environmental stewardship.

Four government environmental impact statements have concluded that the pipeline would present no significant harm to the environment.  The Alberta oil sands produce a mere 0. 001% of the world’s carbon emissions and the crude will find its way to market one way or another.  And that is the reality of the situation, folks.  Canada will sell their resources one way or another.  We have to ask ourselves, do we want to act?  Building the pipeline will promote North American energy independence and create tens of thousands of American jobs, putting over $2 billion in workers pockets

Recently, Representative Ed Whitfield, R-Ky., of House Energy and Commerce Committee said, “We have the unique opportunity at this particular time in our nation’s history to really be energy independent.”

Jack Gerard, President/CEO of the American Petroleum Institute says, “It’s very realistic that we could be energy secure as a nation. … It’s been estimated by the Energy Information Agency that we could be the No. 1 oil producer in the world by 2020, surpassing Saudi Arabia. It’s a game-changing opportunity, and it’s of historic proportions.”

The Obama Administration has been sitting on its hands, and this country is crying out for action, not only for energy independence, but for a solution to the economic problems that face this country.

I would like to see Congress and President Obama make the adoption of a comprehensive energy strategy their top priority.  It should not only utilize American taxpayer dollars into renewable and alternative energy technologies for the future, but use the resources we already have in abundance – oil and natural gas.  If completed, the Keystone XL pipeline would have a significant, positive impact on U.S. jobs and growth.  It will provide well-paying jobs, boost the American economy as a whole, as well as enhance our national security, and we must act now.