WASHINGTON, January 9, 2015 – API President and CEO Jack Gerard applauded the House of Representatives for its latest bipartisan effort to approve the Keystone XL pipeline.

“Congress is leading on Keystone XL in a bipartisan fashion proving Washington can get things done, despite obstacles from the executive branch,” said Gerard. “We strongly urge all members to approve the KXL legislation despite the White House veto threat.

“A majority of Americans want to see this critical infrastructure built. Today the president can no longer hide behind the Nebraska court case. There are no excuses left. The president should join Congress in standing up for American jobs and energy security. Now is the time to show leadership and work together. The world is watching to see if the U.S. is ready to lead as a global energy superpower.”

API thanked the bipartisan leaders in the House who have continued to champion for Keystone despite years of delay.

API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 625 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 25 million Americans.