New Jersey Senate Bill SR87

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/19/22
• Refer: 5/19/22

Caption

Urges federal government to approve construction of oil and natural gas pipelines within United States including those that have been shut down or have had approval denied.

Impact

The resolution emphasizes that constructing more pipelines will bolster energy independence and national security by decreasing reliance on foreign oil supplies, notably from unstable regions such as the Middle East, Russia, and Venezuela. Proponents argue that enhancing domestic pipeline capacity would lead to lower prices for oil and improve economic conditions by generating jobs. The resolution also invokes the example of the Keystone XL Pipeline, previously projected to significantly impact U.S. energy independence by linking domestic oil supplies with Canadian oil fields, which could have provided substantial amounts of oil to the U.S. market.

Summary

Senate Resolution No. 87 (SR87) is a resolution introduced in the New Jersey State Legislature that urges the federal government to authorize the construction of oil and natural gas pipelines within the United States. This includes not only the approval of new pipeline constructions but also the reapproval of pipelines that have previously been shut down or denied approval. The impetus behind this resolution is rooted in the belief that the United States will continue to rely heavily on gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, necessitating a robust pipeline infrastructure to facilitate the transport of these energy resources.

Contention

The resolution reflects a growing urgency for oil independence in light of geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding Russia's actions in Ukraine and subsequent sanctions that have escalated concerns about global energy supply. Critics of imposing heavy reliance on pipelines often cite environmental concerns associated with fossil fuel transport. Despite the push for more pipelines, there exists contention surrounding the balance between fossil fuel reliance and the transition to renewable energy sources, which some believe should take precedence as part of a broader energy strategy.