U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today called on U.S. Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.), nominee for Secretary of State, to quickly approve the Keystone XL Pipeline if confirmed by the Senate. The job-creating, domestic energy-producing project is supported by an overwhelming majority of Americans, yet the Obama Administration has again delayed its decision with the U.S. Department of State now saying it will not come before March 2013. Sen. Moran’s call on Sen. Kerry came during the weekly Senate Republican Leadership Press Conference.

"With the current economic circumstances, in my view the issue of jobs and economic opportunity for the American people continues to be the most important issue we should address," Sen. Moran said. "With the expected confirmation of Senator Kerry, the Administration has an opportunity to do something good for the energy security of our country…and for job creation. I call upon the Secretary of State designee and the Obama Administration to finally issue the approval and grant the permitting process so the Keystone pipeline can move forward and our country can have a better opportunity for jobs, the American people can have a better chance for employment, and our country can reduce its reliance on [foreign] oil. I hope this is a turning point."

Last week, Sen. Moran joined 52 of his colleagues in calling on President Obama and the State Department to authorize the Keystone XL Pipeline project after Gov. Dave Heineman (R-Neb.) approved a new route through Nebraska.

The original Keystone pipeline already moves crude oil from Steele City, Neb., to the processing facility in Cushing, Okla. The Keystone XL Pipeline would use the existing infrastructure to safely move crude through Kansas. As the ongoing operation of the original Keystone pipeline illustrates, crude oil can be moved safely over long distances.

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