Congressman Paul Tonko spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives today, urging House leadership to protect the environment as well as private property owners along the route of a proposed extension to the Keystone oil pipeline. Tonko submitted two amendments to H.R. 3, the Northern Route Approval Act, which would provide these critical safeguards. The amendments offered by Tonko were not made in order and therefore not allowed a vote to be included into the final legislation.

“Protection of private property rights is something we hear a lot about whenever government makes a decision to protect unique and valuable public resources,” Tonko said. “But, apparently if a foreign company wants to build a pipeline to transport oil for export, private property rights can be sacrificed. Our citizens should receive a fair chance to defend their property in state courts. This legislation deprives them of that opportunity.”

During his time in Congress, the New York State Assembly, and at NYSERDA, Congressman Tonko has promoted policies that invest in clean energy and local small businesses as well as energy efficiency. Tonko plans to vote against H.R. 3, which declares that a presidential permit is not required for TransCanada’s revised proposal for the Keystone XL pipeline.

“If TransCanada wants access to our land, they should follow our laws – laws put in place to safeguard our resources and our rights,” added Tonko.

Video of Congressman Tonko’s floor speech can be viewed by clicking here.

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