After all was said and done, amendments to the transportation bill dealing with the Keystone XL pipeline project, offshore oil and gas production and EPA regulations failed muster in the U.S. Senate on Thursday. Nebraska Senator Mike Johanns found himself in the minority, voting on these issues. Each amendment fell short of the required 60 votes.

The Keystone amendment, of which Johanns is a cosponsor would use Congress’ Constitutional authority to oversee foreign commerce to approve the Keystone XL project, allowing pipeline construction to begin immediately outside of Nebraska. Nebraska would continue to have all the time it needs to complete its route selection. Johanns also voted to support an amendment to expand offshore oil and gas production areas.

The Senator said – we need an all-of-the-above energy policy. Energy independence is one of the most pressing economic and national security issues facing our country. It makes no more sense to lock up our natural resources than it does to increase our dependence on oil from unfriendly sources.

Courtesy: NAFB News