WASHINGTON - The American Petroleum Institute (API), along with more than one hundred industry organizations including NACS, sent a letter earlier this week to President Obama, urging him to approve the Keystone XL pipeline.

"President Obama needs to show he is serious about job creation. He can immediately put thousands of Americans to work by approving this pipeline," said API President and CEO Jack Gerard. "Our country needs this shovel ready project because it will create jobs, boost our national security, and spur economic growth. It€™s a win-win proposition."

The letter stated that Canada today accounts for one-fourth of U.S. imports at almost 2.4 million barrels per day, and that the proposed pipeline could boost that figure to 4 million barrels a day by 2020 €" twice the amount currently imported from the Persian Gulf.

"Enhancing our energy partnership with Canada will strengthen America€™s energy future," the letter stated.

"We should not pass up an opportunity to secure more stable supplies of energy for our growing needs," Gerard said. "After more than three years of exhaustive reviews it€™s time to build this pipeline. Keystone has the support of organized labor, mayors and veterans groups from across the country. Many Democrats and Republicans in Congress have spoken out in support of Keystone. We hope these voices will be heard. President Obama needs to do the right thing and approve this project."