Daines has right idea about energy

Editor:

The Keystone XL Pipeline would have pumped billions into a weak economy, dramatically decreased our dependence on foreign oil, and provided an "on-ramp" for Montana and North Dakota oil production that currently lacks infrastructure.

President Obama denied the pipeline's permit anyways. And he did so in spite of the reality of the situation. The oil is coming out of the ground one way or another. The alternative to a pipeline is shipping crude by railway or by ship destined to China, which will lead to more spills and to oil being refined at dirtier facilities.

The State Department's Environmental Impact Statement showed that this pipeline is the most environmentally friendly way to get oil into the United States.

A just-the-facts approach would've meant this pipeline's approval. But, sadly, it was never about facts.

Montanans should take a close look at the people they'll send to Congress next year. There was once a time in America when Congress passed laws that cleared the way for the creation of infrastructure projects that put thousands to work and opened up markets, making oil, electricity, and everything that depends on those cornerstone commodities cheaper and more available.

Among the people committed to again clearing the way for such projects is Steve Daines, running for House, who supports making it easier to put oil on pipelines, coal on trains, and wind on the wires. I hope all Montana's candidates for Congress will stand with Steve on this important question.

Travis Kavulla, chairman

State Public Service Commision

Great Falls