Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange today joined 22 other attorneys general from around the nation in petitioning the U.S. Secretary of State’s office to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline. The pipeline, which has been a major point of contention between environmental groups and domestic energy advocates, would transport oil from Canada and the northern U.S. to refineries in states along the U.S. gulf coast.

The State Department says the expansion could create thousands of jobs, while U.S. House Speaker John Boehner estimates the number could be closer to 100,000. A final report from the State Department is expected later this year.

“The project, when approved, will bolster the nation’s economy, modernize the country’s energy infrastructure, and strengthen out national security.” the petition states. “The pipeline will significantly serve our national energy needs by providing primary transportation for the development of Canadian oil reserves.”

Attorney General Strange says approval for the pipeline is long past due.

“The Obama administration has delayed the Keystone Pipeline project for far too long.” Strange said. “It’s time for the Obama administration to make jobs and energy independence a priority. It’s time to approve the Keystone Pipeline.”

Also in the petition, the Attorneys General claim that 36% of the oil imported by the United States comes from unstable countries that have anti-democratic or anti-American agendas. They believe the Keystone XL expansion would create jobs as well as boost the sales of American goods and services.