Members of Montana’s congressional delegation are pushing-back on President Joe Biden’s decision to cancel the presidential permit for the Keystone XL Pipeline.
Tuesday, Republican Sen. Steve Daines and Republican Rep. Matt Rosendale introduced legislation in the U.S. House and Senate that would authorize construction of the pipeline.
Democratic Sen. Jon Tester wrote to Biden Tuesday to express his support for the pipeline. He said local stakeholders and tribes should be consulted about measures to prevent damage associated with construction and operation.
All three congressmen said construction of the pipeline would provide jobs for Montanans.
In recent days the Republicans in Montana’s delegation also objected to other early steps taken by the Biden administration. Rosendale signed a Jan. 26 letter encouraging Biden to take back his nomination of Rep. Deb Haaland for Secretary of Interior. The letter states that her support for the Green New Deal is a threat to industry. Daines is seeking to reverse Biden’s freeze on oil and gas leasing on federal lands and to require Senate approval before rejoining the Paris climate agreement.