DONALD TRUMP

Keystone XL Pipeline Clears Last Major Regulatory Hurdle, in Nebraska

The Nebraska Public Service Commission was forbidden by law from considering a recent oil spill on the existing Keystone pipeline in its decision

A Nebraska commission has approved an alternative Keystone XL route through the state, removing the last regulatory hurdle to the $8 billion oil pipeline project.

The decision Monday could have a big impact on whether TransCanada Corp. decides to proceed with construction of the project, which was first proposed in 2008 but repeatedly delayed.

The Nebraska Public Service Commission voted on the project Monday, though the decision could still be challenged in court. The commission was forbidden by law from considering a recent oil spill on the existing Keystone pipeline in its decision.

The alternative route would run farther north than the originally proposed route.

Landowners along the nearly 1,200-mile pipeline route and environmentalists have opposed the project. Some businesses and unions have supported it as a job creator.

President Donald Trump issued a federal permit allowing for the project in March, reversing President Barack Obama administration's rejection of it.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us