Once again, Rep. Shimkus framed the choice eloquently in his remarks to Congress: “Pipelines versus tankers from places that we’re going to war with.” Which method for receiving oil makes you feel safer?

Waiting inside this pipeline are $20 billion in new spending for the U.S. economy, an increase of $6.5 billion in the personal income of Americans and more than $585 million in additional state and local taxes, according to an independent economic study released by the Perryman Group in June 2010.

After four years reviewing this project, the White House was finally forced to make a decision, thanks to a provision in the December payroll tax bill. The result, however, was not what America’s unemployed had hoped for or what this country needed.

Fortunately, there is a middle ground yet to be occupied. In its decision, this administration specifically said that its concerns were confined to the 20 percent or so of the pipeline that would run through the Sand Hills region in Western Nebraska and the Ogallala aquifer.

The rest of Keystone has undergone years and years of in-depth environmental review and been found safe. So while the country waits for a full approval of the entire project, this administration should okay construction on these parts – and start stimulating the job growth Americans are looking for.

Larry T. Shedwill Jr. of Manteno is a journeyman welder for UA Pipeliners Local Union 798 in Illinois.