Gov. John Kasich and 23 other Republican governors today urged President Barack Obama to reverse himself and sign a bill approved by Congress that would clear the way for construction of a controversial oil pipeline linking Canada to the Gulf ports in Texas.

"The pipeline would not only constitute a boon for our economy, but also for our energy security," the GOP governors wrote. "Many of our states are at the forefront of America’s energy boom, producing more alternative energy, oil and natural gas than ever before."

Known as the Keystone XL pipeline, the project has pitted business backers — who argue that the project would create jobs — against environmentalists who contend it would increase the greenhouse gases that cause global warming. Obama has pledged to veto the bill. Even though the Senate and House easily approved the bill, neither house has enough votes to override the president's veto.