U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of State approved the cross-border permit for the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. 

“After more than eight years of unnecessary delay by the Obama administration, this decision will finally allow the Keystone XL pipeline to move forward,” Murkowski said. “The underlying analysis always pointed to approval, pipelines are the cleanest and most efficient way to move energy, and thousands of Americans will benefit from the jobs and growth this project will bring. Through this important decision, the Trump administration has reinforced its commitment to modernizing our nation’s energy infrastructure and reaffirmed the United States’ strong partnership with Canada.”

Murkowski is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.