North American energy independence has been an elusive dream that could at last become reality.

It would take government to ruin an opportunity this big.

Some of us are old enough to remember waiting in long lines to buy gas during the Arab oil embargo of the 1970s.  Many of us had to buy locks for our gas tanks to keep thieves from siphoning our precious fuel away.

“Energy independence!”  Politicians promised, but they did not meaningfully try to deliver.

A nihilistic Green movement attacked our energy and kept us dependent — and vulnerable.  They came up with climate change and renewed their assault.

An investigation into Russian meddling into America’s energy economy over the years might be an eye-opener.

Yet, free markets are powerfully efficient.  Despite obstacles of every kind, a North American energy revolution took hold allowing us to access vast quantities of oil and gas from fracking, offshore rigs and Canadian oil sands.

Pipelines are the safest, cleanest and most efficient way to move this treasure trove of energy to refineries and consumers.  Obstructing pipelines is a favorite tactic of the anti-energy Left.

The Keystone XL pipeline has passed every environmental and economic test, yet has been thwarted time and again.  Barack Obama became Keystone’s obstructor in chief.  CFACT’s Paul Driessen explains at The Hill that Keystone just took a giant step forward.

“The Nebraska Public Service Commission voted 3-2 to approve Nebraska’s share of the $8 billion, 1,200-mile Keystone XL Pipeline route, seemingly clearing its final regulatory hurdle and allowing construction to move forward.”

This is good news, long overdue, but the Greens are not done.

Regulators and lawmakers at every level should put an end to all obstruction and make this vital energy artery a reality.

As Driessen sums up, ” Keystone XL is a vital addition to America’s pipeline system. It is not perfect. But it is essential for a healthier, safer, more prosperous United States.”