Nebraska Approves New XL Pipeline Route

The Nebraska governor approved a new route for the XL pipeline that avoids the Sand Hills region on January 22nd. He transmitted the state approval to the President and Secretary of State. Environmentalists point out the pipeline still crosses the Ogallala Aquifer, a water source for millions of midwesterners. Governor Heineman's action was not unexpected despite the fact he opposed the first route submitted by TransCanada. He cited his state's environmental impact findings that emphasize economic benefits to the state while expecting "minimal environmental impacts in Nebraska".  Largely rural Nebraska is expecting $16.5 million in tax revenue from the sale of materials and up to $13 million in local property tax revenue. Conservatives rabidly support constructing the pipeline despite the severe implications for increasing greenhouse gas emissions and the possibility of toxic spills contaminating underground water sources and valuable soils. Opponents also think the economic justifications for the project are misleading or incorrect. Nebraska activists plan a cold vigil at the governor's mansion on January 29th to protest his decision. A leader of the Nebraska protestors said the governor's decision was, "a shame when a politician these days can't cross party lines even to stand up for our water and family farmers and ranchers." Expected start date for the pipeline is early 2015--just ask Ralph Nader.