MADISON - On Tuesday, President Donald J. Trump signed executive orders allowing the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines to move forward. Both projects will ensure the United States has greater access to reliable and affordable North American energy. Additionally, the construction of each pipeline will create thousands of jobs for U.S. workers.

"It is a great day for the American economy," said Lucas Vebber, WMC Director of Environmental and Energy Policy. "WMC has long been a supporter of these projects, which will help foster energy independence and provide much needed jobs for Wisconsinites and others around the country."

In 2011, WMC partnered with the Consumer Energy Alliance to deliver nearly 15,000 comments from Wisconsinites to the U.S. State Department urging the approval of the Keystone Pipeline - which would bring more than 800,000 barrels of oil from Canada to the U.S. each day through 1,700 miles of pipe crossing six states. "Wisconsinites understand that these pipelines will help create jobs and lower energy prices for consumers and businesses alike," Vebber added. "It is the safest way to ensure the U.S. has sufficient energy resources to move our country forward. WMC and our members thank President Trump for his swift action on this issue."