The Keystone fight continues as the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee voted on a new measure to push the controversial Keystone XL pipeline on Feb. 6, with the markup scheduled to finish on Feb. 7.

Meanwhile, U.S. Senator Max Baucus (D-Mont.) is attempting to come up with a bipartisan agreement on the controversial pipeline, combining it with an extension of unemployment benefits. He surprised Senate Democrats on Feb. 3 when he offered the proposal during a conference committee meeting.

Many Democrats are warming up to the idea that Congress could approve the pipeline on the condition the oil would remain in the United States. House Democrats introduced legislation on Feb. 3 that would ban exports of both the oil shipped via the pipeline and the refined products from that oil. Sen. Mark Pryor (D-Ark.) is considering pushing a similar measure, but whether or not his bill would include the ban on refined products remains unclear.

This debate comes as gas prices now average $3.48 a gallon vs. $3.12 a year ago, and $2.67 in February 2010. According to USA Today, prices could spike an additional 60 cents or more by May. The price increase is an annual spring ritual, as seasonal demand and stringent environmental standards for seasonal gas formulations can tack on 15 cents a gallon.