Bill Hodgkins: Approving the Keystone pipeline strengthens national security

September 24, 2013

Sun Sentinel

Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Bill Hodgkins, a Vets4Energy volunteer, was published in the SunSentinel stating his view on why the Keystone XL pipeline should be approved in order for "reducing our reliance on unpredictable nations and strengthening our national security posture."

Below is an except from Sun Sentinel:

     “The debate on the Keystone XL pipeline has been vigorous, yet President Obama continues to stall approval of the project. Here in Florida, U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy has been a strong advocate for the Keystone XL pipeline and has correctly identified jobs benefits and potential boosts to small businesses that construction will bring. His favorable floor vote for the pipeline, along with 18 other Democrats, clearly demonstrated his commitment toward a strong energy policy. On behalf of Florida's Veterans for Energy, we commend Rep. Murphy for his position on the pipeline.

     "However, given the continuing emergence of civil strife in the Middle East and the continued need to strengthen our national security through energy independence, it's time that we urge Rep. Murphy to exert even more leadership by taking the issue directly to the president…."

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NOTE: Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Bill Hodgkins, a volunteer with Vets4Energy.com, is the former director of plans at the North American Aerospace Defense Command at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado, and a former F-15 wing commander at Tyndall Air Force Base who resides in Tallahassee and Panama City.

Bill Hodgkins: Approving the Keystone pipeline strengthens national security