Keystone XL Will Help Lower Utility Rates

Floor Speech

Mr. DAINES. Mr. Speaker, last week, I was home in Montana to highlight the important role that natural resources play in our State's economy. In fact, I put 3,000 miles in traveling around our great State. One question I was asked repeatedly was: When will the Keystone pipeline be approved?

We all know the tremendous economic impact the Keystone pipeline would have and the jobs that would be created; but when I was in Glasgow, Montana, I learned of a relatively unknown benefit as a result of the pipeline.

You see, NorVal Electric Co-Op in Glasgow is slated to supply electricity to one of the Keystone XL pump stations. If the pipeline is built, this rural electric co-op will be able to spread its cost burdens with the pipeline and, consequently, hold rates steady for its 3,000-plus Montana customers. If the pipeline is not approved, it told me that NorVal customers will see upwards of a 40-percent increase in their utility rates over the next 10 years.

As I've said time and time again, this is common sense. Keystone means jobs; it means another step towards energy independence; and it means lower utility rates for rural Montanans, for hardworking Montana families.

President Obama, it's time to approve the Keystone pipeline.

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