Nebraska judge strikes down Keystone XL Pipeline approval law

Thursday, February 20, 2014  

A law that allowed Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman (R) to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline is unconstitutional, a state judge ruled on Wednesday.

LB1161 illegally bypassed the authority of the Nebraska Public Service Commission, Judge Stephanie Stacy said. The ruling is a victory to landowners who oppose the controversial pipeline.

Attorney General Jon Bruning plans to appeal to the Nebraska Supreme Court. From there, the case could go to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The route in Nebraska was changed to address concerns about a major water aquifer. But the pipeline remains controversial among landowners and ranchers.

Get the Story:
Keystone XL pipeline opponents score victory in court (The Lincoln Journal Star 2/20)
Nebraska judge strikes down legislature’s move allowing Keystone XL route (The Washington Post 2/20)
Nebraska Court Ruling Voids Approval For Keystone XL Pipeline (AP 2/20)

Native Sun News: Report on Keystone XL stirs Indian Country (02/07)