Supporters of Keystone XL pipeline seek a quick Senate vote to approve the project

WASHINGTON – Supporters of the proposed Keystone XL pipeline are seeking a swift election-year Senate vote on legislation to approve the project that environmentalists oppose strongly and the Obama administration has delayed indefinitely.

Pipeline advocates in the Senate, including several Democrats on the ballot next fall, hold a clear majority. They also may command more than the 60 votes needed to overcome blocking tactics by opponents, but appear to be short of the two-thirds majority that would be needed to override any veto by President Barack Obama.

Democratic Sen. Mary Landrieu of Louisiana chairs the Senate Energy Committee and says she will seek a vote in a few weeks. Republicans want the vote to occur as part of the debate on energy-efficiency legislation or as a stand-alone bill.