Keystone XL Decision Will Raise Energy Costs for American Families

Monday, January 18, 2021

The United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA) issued the following statement today following the news that the Biden-Harris Administration plans to rescind the permit and effectively end construction on the Keystone XL pipeline:

“In revoking this permit, the Biden Administration has chosen to listen to the voices of fringe activists instead of union members and the American consumer on Day 1. Let me be very clear: When built with union labor by the men and women of the United Association, pipelines like Keystone XL remain the safest and most efficient modes of energy transportation in the world. Sadly, the Biden Administration has now put thousands of union workers out of work. For the average American family, it means energy costs will go up and communities will no longer see the local investments that come with pipeline construction,” said Mark McManus, General President of the United Association. 

“New advancements in technology mean that these pipelines are a low-carbon method of energy transportation and a critical part of delivering affordable energy while achieving our shared climate goals. Keystone XL would not only be constructed entirely by union labor, but it would be the first pipeline fully powered by renewable energy.”

“For eight years the Obama Administration delayed and blocked a decision on Keystone XL. Then the flawed process and mismanagement of the Trump Administration led to further delays and inaction over the last four years. Now, this planned decision by the Biden Administration makes it the third White House to fail the working families of the United Association and all Americans who rely on affordable and reliable energy to power their daily lives. Decisions on energy and infrastructure, especially when jobs are at stake, can only be made when the voice of the workers is in the room. We will keep fighting for Keystone XL and any infrastructure project that creates good jobs for the Brothers and Sisters of the United Association, and to make sure our members have a seat at the table.