Vets4Energy Volunteers Visit Capitol Hill to Advocate for Keystone XL
April 7, 2014
The debate swirling around the proposed Keystone XL pipeline too often focuses only on environmental concerns. Even though every major study has found the pipeline to be environmentally safe, including a recent State Department report, all the attention distracts from other important concerns, such as how the pipeline would significantly improve America's national security.
The troubling events in Crimea and Ukraine underscore how vital energy independence is to national security. The EU, which is dependent on cheap natural gas from Russia, has balked at imposing heavy economic sanctions on its aggressive neighbor, because it can't afford it. The Keystone XL pipeline, by dramatically increasing America's oil supply, would make us less reliant on unstable, hostile nations to fulfill our energy needs. In the end, America is more secure because it is more energy independent.
Montana's James Mariska, Colonel, USA, (Ret.), Senator John Walsh (D-MT), Vets4Energy Rear Admiral Don Loren (Ret.)
This is the message volunteer veterans from 19 states took to Washington and Capitol Hill last month in an effort to expedite the approval of the Keystone XL pipeline. The three-day event included meetings with key members of the Senate Democratic conference and a joint news conference featuring veterans, business, and bi-partisan government leaders expressing their support for the pipeline and urging the Obama Administration to approve the project immediately.
The veterans heard presentations from Sen. John Walsh (D-MT) and Sharon Burke, Asst. Secretary of Defense for Operational Plans and Programs, and received a detailed overview of the Ukraine crisis from Third Way Think Tank. Afterwards the delegation of veterans went to Capitol Hill to meet with 20 Senate Democrats and their staffs emphasizing the energy security necessity of the Keystone XL Pipeline. Among the meetings held were in offices of Majority Leader Harry Reid (NV), Majority Whip Dick Durbin (IL) and Senator Michael Bennet (CO).
API President and CEO Jack Gerard, Vets4Energy Rear Admiral Don Loren (Ret.), Senator John Hoeven (R-ND), Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Representative Lee Terry (R-NE), Canadian Ambassador Gary Doer, and TransCanada’s Executive Vice President Alex Pourbaix
The three-day event included a well-attended, bi-partisan, Vets4Energy press conference held by Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND), Sen. Joe Manchin (D-ND), and Congressman Lee Terry (R-NE). Hoeven, who recently returned from a Senate mission to Ukraine, said: "Seeing how Ukraine and the European Union are dependent on Russia for energy, our delegation saw firsthand the importance of energy security," Hoeven said. "Projects that boost North American energy production like the Keystone XL pipeline are a key not only to creating jobs and a dynamic economy, but also to keeping our nation and our people safe. The bottom line is – energy security is national security."
The volunteer veterans who traveled to Washington to bring the message of “Energy Security = National Security" know all too well the importance of their mission. Representing all branches of the military, these volunteers have won numerous medals for valorous conduct on the field of battle. They see their participation in Vets4Energy as a continuation of their commitment to defend the nation years after many of them have hung up their uniforms.
Michigan Senator Levin's Office - Vets4Energy Rear Admiral Don Loren (Ret.), Paul Chevalier ((NH), Senator Levin's Veteran LA Ben Brenner, Energy LA Christine Muchanic, Phil Panzarella (VA), Charles Baranyai (NY), James Pardo (MI), and Tony Caldarelli (PA)
Tony Caldarelli, Captain, USARNG (Ret.) and Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey