We made a mistake electing Keating!

Congressman Barney Frank spoiled his constituents with his unparalleled constituent services and his clear responses.

Call Keating's Office and all you get is double talk, 'I don't know the Congressman's position....' blah, blah, blah.

While I won't review Congressman Keating's disappointing votes, his constituents might be wise to pay attention. Big DISAPPOINTMENT!  

In response to my opposition to a NEW ENGLAND DIRTY TAR SANDS PIPELINE, the Congressman's misguided response is below.

TAR SANDS SPILLS are exempt from CLEAN-UP costs. Taxpayers will foot the bill for these disasters .... and there have been many.

Thank you for contacting me regarding the New England pipeline. I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue, and I welcome the opportunity to respond to your concerns.

As you know, the Portland-Montreal Pipe Line currently connects South Portland, Maine, with Montreal to transport tar sands oil from the United States to Canada. Jointly owned by Portland Pipe Line Corporation and Montreal Pipe Line Limited, these two corporations have recently considered proposals to expand and reverse the flow of their jointly-owned Portland-Montreal Pipe Line so that tar sands would flow toward Portland for domestic and international export. A similar proposal has been made by Enbridge to reverse the company's Line 9, a pipeline that currently flows from Montreal to Michigan, so that tar sands may be transported from Michigan to Montreal. Should both of these proposals be implemented, it is possible that an unprecedented volume of tar sands from across the United States and Canada could be directed through Montreal toward Portland.

I believe a pipeline that has the potential to create thousands of jobs and reduce our nation's dependence on foreign oil is certainly important. At the same time, I represent a region that boasts pristine coastlines and fragile ecosystems. Many throughout New England have sharply criticized these proposals due to the environmental consequences tar sands could have on our region. Please know that, as your representative in Washington, I have always fought for safe and efficient energy policies that would create clean energy jobs in the United States , establish energy independence , and protect our environment. As New England is home to some of the most beautiful and fragile natural resources in the United States, we must not take unnecessary risks that would harm these resources in any way. Please know that I will keep your thoughts in mind should legislation related to this issue come before the full House of Representatives for a vote.

Again, thank you for contacting me. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future regarding this or any other matter of concern. Additionally, you may find our website ( www.keating.house.gov ) to be a useful resource for keeping up with my work in Washington and the Ninth District of Massachusetts. I look forward to hearing from you again.

Sincerely,

Bill Keating
Member of Congress