Richard L. Hanna

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform Act.

Increased production of American natural gas has led to lower prices and more demand for this energy source all across the Nation. That is especially true in cold, energy-dependent regions like upstate New York and the Northeast. We need new infrastructure, specifically pipelines, to safely transport fuels to markets where they are needed.

Unfortunately, the Government Accountability Office reported that an average processing time for interstate natural gas pipeline projects was 558 days. This bill would expedite the government's review process for pipeline applications, to make sure that we are doing all we can to build infrastructure in a timely and responsible manner.

More access to affordable American natural gas will help fuel farms, heat homes, and power small businesses in upstate New York and throughout this country. Building pipelines will create good-paying jobs, as well as boost revenues and development in communities across the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this bill as vice chair of the Pipeline Subcommittee.

Pipelines are the single safest way to transport liquids--safer than rail, safer than trucks. The State Department says Keystone would have a minimal impact on the environment.

President Obama and his administration have confirmed that Keystone will create thousands of construction jobs. These are men and women's livelihoods.

Respectfully, I would remind the administration, but by their nature, all construction jobs are temporary. And it is insulting to marginalize the value of these jobs or the people who might hold them.

Keystone is supported by many unions, including mine, Local 545, the Operating Engineers, where I have been for almost 35 years.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper of Canada said, and I agree, that Keystone is in both of our nations' interests and that ``the logic here is overwhelming.''

Keystone will help us stop sending billions and billions of dollars overseas to our enemies, many of whom would harm us.

Mr. Speaker, it is time to start building this Keystone pipeline.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Joseph ``Buddy'' Gigliotti as a recipient of the Associated General Contractors New York State S.I.R. Award.

The S.I.R. Award is AGC of America's highest honor and it recognizes those who exemplify the AGC motto of Skill, Integrity, and Responsibility. In receiving the S.I.R. Award, Mr. Gigliotti joins the ranks of the true greats of AGC NYS and the construction industry in New York--including, most recently, Jeff Zogg; Marty Galasso, Sr.; and Richard Forrestel.

Mr. Gigliotti is a past President of the AGC NYS Chapter, and has become one of the industry's most respected leaders. We are well aware of the significant contributions he has made to the construction industry in New York State.

A lifelong resident of Utica, New York, Mr. Gigliotti joined Allied Chemicals in 1975 as the New York Area manager. After its merger with Barrett Industries, he served as Barrett's Marketing Manager. In his role, Mr. Gigliotti provided strategic consulting and sales strategy development, eventually helping Barrett become a national leader in transportation infrastructure construction. In 1990, Mr. Gigliotti left Barrett and continues to provide strategic consulting to companies under his firm, JGK Associates. He currently works for Lancaster Development, playing a key role in its marketing efforts.

Mr. Speaker, I wholeheartedly congratulate Mr. Joseph ``Buddy'' Gigliotti on this special occasion.