US Senate Passed Legislation To Build The Keystone XL Pipeline

The US Senate approved a bill that would allow the immediate construction of the controversial Keystone XL pipeline, despite threats to veto the text issued by President Barack Obama.

With a vote of 62 in favor and 36 against, the Senate endorsed the law after weeks of debate on numerous amendments and now only remains that their content complies with the similar project already approved by the house so will arrive next week to the president’s desk for his signature or veto.

Backed nine Democrats, the result is the first challenge launched by the new Senate Republican majority, Obama, expected to impose its veto and prevent the law from taking effect.

Economists and scientists, including several Nobel laureates, have urged the president to veto considering it dangerous for the environment; while the oil industry and opposition Republicans have argued that this project will create jobs and enhance energy security.

The pipeline would channel some 830 thousand barrels of synthetic crude oil and diluted bitumen from the Canadian province of Alberta to different parts of the country, including Texas refineries in the Gulf of Mexico and a distribution center in Oklahoma.

Asked about the matter, the White House spokesman, Josh Erneast, said the president remains determined not to allow the law is enacted.

The only way to avoid a presidential veto Senate contemplated that achieves a majority of 67 votes in favor of the project, which given the negotiations between the two parties still cannot be totally ruled out.