(WASHINGTON) - The Republican-controlled Senate passed a bipartisan bill approving the Keystone XL oil pipeline Thursday by a 62-35 vote.
The move defies a veto threat and sets up the first battle with the White House over energy and the environment.
The bill has 60 sponsors, but not enough to override a veto.
The measure would authorize construction of the nearly 1,200-mile pipeline to carry oil primarily from Canada's tar sands to Gulf Coast refineries.
Critics argue the $8 billion project would spell disaster for global warming. Supporters call it a jobs bill that would boost energy security.