TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL)-- State leaders gathered at the Florida Capitol to encourage support of a new natural gas pipeline that would bring oil to the United States from Canada.
The Keystone XL Pipeline construction has been delayed by President Obama for the past five years. Supporters want to put an end to that delay. They say even though the pipeline would not run through Florida, it would have a strong impact nationwide.
"It's passed every single test environmentally, national security wise," said Kevin Doyle, Executive Director of the Consumer Energy Alliance-Florida, "and it's time to finally approve this pipeline."
According to the Consumer Energy Alliance, the pipeline will include another 59 safety measures in addition to federal requirements. It would create more than 42,000 jobs, bring in $20 billion in economic growth and reduce fuel prices.
"It is time for us to rely on our friends, like Canada, to bring oil here so we can become energy self-sufficient," said Florida House Energy and Utilities Subcommittee Chairman Jose Diaz.
"To be able to refine it here with our technology and our oversight is the best thing for the environment as opposed to sending it to a place like China or India where you don't have the same standards," said Doyle.
But the group met opposition. Some residents gathered to protest the pipeline, saying that even though it wouldn't run through the state, they're worried about how it could affect the rest of the country.
"It's not in our national interests," said Ray Bellamy, a Tallahassee resident who is against the pipeline. He says he doesn't think the pipeline would create many permanent jobs, and if a spill happens, the results could be disastrous.
"This whole thing is all about money," said Bellamy, "like everything else."
But Diaz believes the majority of Americans are in favor of the project.
"Two thirds of Americans do agree that they prefer their oil coming from Canada as opposed to the Middle East or Venezuela," said Diaz.
Diaz says the Florida House Energy and Utilities Subcommittee has passed a memorial urging President Obama to approve the project.
