Oil Sands hearing on September 29: Get on the bus!

Building Trades' presence is critical for a hearing in Pierre, South Dakota, about the proposed Keystone XL project. As with everything, those who show up, win. And if we do not show up, this pipeline- and a refinery project that depends on it-means the loss of 20,000 jobs.

Here are the travel plans: There is a bus leaving from the Sheet Metal Workers Union Hall on September 28th at 10AM. We will travel to Pierre, stay overnight, attend the hearing the next day at noon, then get back on the bus and head back to Minnesota. This trip is free to members and supporters. Please RSVP by calling Jason George, 612-877-3755. Call as soon as possible so we can make sure we have enough room on the buses.

Here is what we're supporting, and whY

The proposed Keystone XL project is a pipeline that will run from the Canadian Oil Sands in Alberta to the Gulf Shore of Texas. Approval from the US State Department will lead to 20,000 American construction jobs, and the work can start as soon as Secretary Clinton’s signature is obtained. For the trades that do pipeline work, which is mostly the Operating Engineers, Teamsters, Laborers, and UA, this is a critical project. Not only are 20,000 jobs at stake, but so is the future of the pipeline industry in America. If environmental extremists can kill this pipeline project, there will not be another one for a long time.

The Keystone XL project is vital for another reason. All of the trades will have work at stations along the pipeline, but even more important, construction of an $8 billion refinery also hangs in the balance. This refinery project is on hold and waiting to see what happens with Keystone XL. If Keystone is approved, the refinery is ready to begin construction. If Keystone is not approved, there will be no oil to refine- and no need for a refinery.

Every trade would benefit tremendously from the refinery construction. It is critical that the building trades make their voices heard in this process.

The State Department hearing is in Pierre on Thursday, September 29th at noon. The hearing will take place at the Ramkota Inn. This is our opportunity to tell the State Department that American construction workers want this project.

Get on the bus. More than 20,000 jobs depend on our showing up.

Again, Please RSVP as soon as possible by calling Jason George, 612-877-3755.

More information about the Keystone XL project:

FACT SHEET: Oil from Canada

Tar sands oil coming anyway; SD should take advantage (The Daily Republic)

Tar Sands Pipeline Plan Renews Energy vs. Environmental Debate (PBS Newshour)