Senate Heads Toward Approval Of Keystone XL Pipeline Bill

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., left, joined by Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn of Texas, meets with reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015, to discuss the status of the Keyst... Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., left, joined by Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn of Texas, meets with reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015, to discuss the status of the Keystone XL Pipeline bill, following their weekly policy luncheon. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) MORE LESS
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WASHINGTON (AP) — The Republican-controlled Senate is moving toward passage of a bipartisan bill approving the Keystone XL oil pipeline.

The move defies a veto threat and sets up the first battle with the White House over energy and the environment.

The Senate plans to vote later Thursday. It’s the first measure taken up by the Republican-controlled Senate, and one of the first to draw a veto threat from the president.

The bill has 60 sponsors — enough to pass, but not enough to override a veto.

The bill would authorize construction of the nearly 1,200-mile pipeline to carry oil primarily from Canada’s tar sands to Gulf Coast refineries.

Critics argue the $8 billion project would spell disaster for global warming. Supporters call it a jobs bill that would boost energy security.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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