CEPA Canadian Energy Pipeline Association : President and CEO, Chris Bloomer, on the U.S. executive order to advance Keystone XL Pipeline

CEPA MEDIA STATEMENT CEPA President and CEO, Chris Bloomer, on the U.S. executive order to advance Keystone XL Pipeline

January 24, 2017

The Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA) is pleased with today's decision from the United States government to move forward on the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline.

This critical energy infrastructure project will provide a reliable and safe source of Canadian oil to American refineries, while strengthening North America's energy security.

The United States is a key trading partner and major existing market for Canadian oil and gas. While recent pipeline approvals will ensure our energy moves to tidewater, we must continue to maintain the long-standing, strong relationship that we have with our neighbors to the south. All pipeline projects in Canada remain critically important to North America's energy interests.

The Keystone XL project has undergone rigorous review and environmental assessment in both Canada and the U.S., and will be built and operated to the highest safety standards with world-class regulatory oversight throughout the entire lifecycle of the pipeline.

The project will also offer significant economic benefits to both American and Canadian businesses and citizens.

Transmission pipelines are proven to be the safest and most effective way to transport large quantities of liquids and natural gas. Over the past 10 years, CEPA members have delivered natural gas and liquid petroleum products with a 99.999 per cent safety record.

About CEPA

CEPA represents Canada's transmission pipeline companies who operate about 134,000 kilometres of pipeline in Canada and the United States. In 2015, these energy highways moved approximately 1.2 billion barrels of liquid petroleum products and 5.4 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Our members transport 97 per cent of Canada's daily natural gas and onshore crude oil from producing regions to markets throughout North America.

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