CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 11 (UPI) -- The proposed Keystone XL oil pipeline from Canada would enhance the U.S. market position without the use of federal funding, TransCanada Corp.'s president said.
Russ Girling said the 1,179-mile pipeline would provide a source of economic stimulus for the United States.
"It would also enhance America's competitiveness by helping to realize the long-standing goal of increased North American energy security without spending a single dollar of U.S. government funds," Girling said in a statement Thursday.
TransCanada wants U.S. approval to build Keystone XL from Alberta province through the United States. The project has been the target of environmental critics worried about the impact of delivering so-called oil sands, a heavy grade of crude oil, through the pipeline.
Officials of the pipeline company said they were upbeat about a letter of support from pro-energy groups urging President Barack Obama to approve the pipeline.
A partial shutdown of the U.S. federal government, approaching its third week amid bipartisan bickering over fiscal issues, affects several federal programs, including a review of the Keystone pipeline.
