Canadian Oil Sands
Canadian oil sands are a major source of energy to meet America's growing demands. Many Americans do not realize the United States already imports more oil from Canada than from any other country. Our North American neighbor currently supplies 21 percent of our imported oil, half of which comes from the oil sands of Canada.
Unbeknownst to many Americans, Canada is America's leading supplier of imported oil, and oil sands from Canada provide a major portion of this supply. Oil sands are naturally occurring mixtures of sand, clay, water and a form of petroleum called bitumen—which can be upgraded for synthetic crude oil and refined to make asphalt, gasoline, jet fuel and some chemicals. It is estimated the country has nearly 170 billion barrels of oil sands and over time, Canada could increase production from its current 1.4 million barrels per day to approximately 3.5 million barrels per day in 2025.
To put these volumes in perspective, America uses more than over 18 million barrels per day to fuel its energy requirements.
The biggest value of Canadian oil sands is contributing a stable source of energy. This is critical because many of the nation's industries rely on oil for operations. These industries include our nation's manufacturers, farmers, airlines, truck drivers and military.
Keystone XL Pipeline
Oil from the oil sands could be delivered to the U.S. via the Keystone XL Pipeline, a 1,700-mile pipeline project seeking approval from the U.S. State Department. If approved, it is estimated that the Keystone XL would deliver upwards of 800,000 barrels of oil per day (b/d) from domestic sources and the Canada's oil sands region to U.S. refiners, This pipeline would create tens of thousands of American jobs and reduce our dependence on non-North American energy. (Source: U.S. Department of State)
As with domestic supplies of oil, oil from our friendly neighbor can increase our nation's energy and national security as well as boost our economic development.
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RELATED NEWS
TransCanada Pipeline Bill Would Force U.S. Permit Within 60 Days
Senate Republicans introduced a bill that would require the Secretary of State to issue a U.S. permit for the Keystone XL pipeline within 60 days. This still "provides adequate time for Nebraska to shift the route of the pipeline" while allowing construction to begin elsewhere. 
Keystone XL Pipeline Video
Learn more about the value of the Keystone XL Pipeline and how to submit Public Comments to the State Department to move the approval process forward!
