U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce voted in favor of H.R. 3, the Northern Route Approval Act, which would allow for the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, a $7 billion private sector energy infrastructure project.

“Building the Keystone XL pipeline means 20,000 new American jobs, cheaper energy prices for Ohio families, and safer energy practices for our environment,” Joyce said in a statement. “It’s a common-sense jobs project and it’s time for big government to step aside and let the American people build this pipeline.”

H.R. 3, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives Wednesday, would remove the need for a presidential permit, Joyce said. The legislation also includes several provisions to prevent additional regulatory hurdles and legal challenges.

Opponents of the proposal have cited environmental concerns as part of the reason not to support the project.

The congressman also said H.R. 3 would limit the judicial review process, satisfy all National Environmental Policy Act requirements, and streamline the permitting and approval process for all other necessary federal permits.

John Arthur Hutchison
JHutchison@News-Herald.com
Twitter: @newsheraldjah