US House of Representatives passes KXL pipeline bill

The US House of Representatives has given its final approval to a bill - already passed by the Senate - backing the Keystone XL pipeline.

The White House recently said President Barack Obama would veto the bill. The bill has not enough votes to override a presidential veto.

The House of Representatives approved the bill on Wednesday by 270 votes to 152. One Republican voted against it, while 29 Democrats voted in favour.

The bill had been expected to get a smooth passage through the House of Representatives. Both chambers are controlled by Republicans, who overwhelmingly support the construction of the pipeline.

The House endorsed amendments approved by the Senate last month.

The amendments acknowledged the existence of climate change, and said oil sands should not be exempt from a tax to clean up oil spills.

The Keystone XL pipeline aims to carry some 830 000 bpd of heavy crude from the fields in Alberta to Nebraska.

This latest development sets up a confrontation with Obama, who has said he would strike down the pipeline bill because he retains the authority to make the final decision about the pipeline. Obama has said his decision would take into account climate change concerns, but is waiting for final reviews.

Edited from various sources by Elizabeth Corner

Sources: CBC, BBC

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/project-news/12022015/us-house-of-representatives-passes-kxl-pipeline-bill/