The Nebraska Public Service Commission voted 3-2 Monday approving the construction of the $8 billion Keystone XL pipeline through Nebraska.
The condition of the ruling noted that the original route, often called preferred route, proposed by TransCanada be changed to their alternative route proposal. The preferred route would have passed through the Sandhills. This alternative route that was approved by the commission avoids the Sandhills but still crosses the Ogallala aquifer.
It was reported the PSC meeting room, overflow room and hallway outside the overflow room was filled to max capacity for the 10 a.m. meeting.
Voting favor of the pipeline were Commissioners Tim Schram, Rod Johnson and Frank Landis. It was Commissioner’s Crystal Rhoades and Mary Ridder who voted no. Rhoades explained why she planned to vote no.
Rhoades main concerns were danger to the environment and how many landowners along the alternative route have never been notified by the state.
After the 210,000 gallons of oil leaked near Amherst, South Dakota, days before the commission ruling on Monday, the commission is unable to let spills or other public safety concerns influence its decision because consideration of pipeline safety is exclusively within federal jurisdiction.
Opponents to the pipeline were holding onto the hope that PSC would reject the project or possibly move it 60 miles to the east, alongside the existing Keystone pipeline.
Jane Kleeb, Keystone opponent and Bold Nebraska leader said TransCanada not receiving approval for its preferred route represents a major victory pipeline opponents.
It was agreed by both sides that if they didnt get what they wanted theyd appeal all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.
