The Hill News

The price at the pump has soared to $3.79 a gallon nationally, and more than $4 in many areas. Fears of another economic slowdown are prevalent because of high gas prices. Hardworking families in Tennessee and across the country are struggling to pay rising costs. Congress needs to pass common sense energy policies that move us in the direction of lower gas prices and energy independence.

If we want to create jobs in America and move our country toward energy security, Congress should pass energy policies such as the Keystone XL pipeline. The pipeline, supported by both employers and unions, will create manufacturing and construction jobs, while increasing energy security across the country. 

TransCanada estimates that 20,000 well-paying jobs will be created in 2012 should this project move forward. In addition, the project will provide an estimated $5.2 billion in tax revenue to the Keystone XL corridor states. Construction of the pipeline will also a! ct as an economic engine in the private sector by generating additional private sector investment in food, lodging, fuel, vehicles, equipment, construction and services.

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