Oil sands pipeline bill poised to advance

The House Energy and Commerce Committee is slated to vote on a bill aimed at accelerating federal approval of a controversial pipeline that would expand U.S. imports from Canada’s oil sands projects.

The oil industry-backed bill – which House GOP leadership hopes to bring before the full chamber this summer – would require an Obama administration decision on the proposed Keystone XL pipeline by Nov. 1.

The Hill’s E2-Wire reports:

Republicans and some Democrats call the pipeline a major step toward creating jobs and boosting supplies from a friendly neighbor.

But opponents say the pipeline carries major environmental risks, citing potential leaks and the ecological impact of greenhouse gases emitted form Alberta’s oil sands project.