Future of Keystone XL pipeline becomes more muddled after latest decision by Nebraska PSC

The future of the Keystone XL pipeline became even more muddled Tuesday with further delays expected.

The Nebraska Public Service Commission unanimously rejected TransCanada’s request to amend its application for a route across Nebraska. TransCanada said it would “take some time” before considering whether to build the $8 billion project.

The company gave no timeline for such a decision, after earlier stating that it would decide this month whether the long-delayed Keystone XL was financially viable or not.

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He said TransCanada must decide whether to move forward with what he considers a legally flawed route across Nebraska, or appeal to the State Appeals Court, which might require them to reapply for approval of the alternative route. That process, in total, might take three years or more, Domina said.

Parties now have 30 days to file an appeal with the Nebraska Court of Appeals.

http://www.omaha.com/news/nebraska/future-of-keystone-xl-pipeline-become...

Nebraska regulators deny TransCanada request on Keystone XL route

LINCOLN, Nebraska (Reuters) - Nebraska regulators on Tuesday denied TransCanada Corp’s request to amend its route application for the proposed Keystone XL pipeline through the U.S. state, a potential setback for the company as it seeks to head off legal challenges.

The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) issued an approval for the line in late November, removing what appeared to be the last big regulatory obstacle for the long-delayed project, which has been backed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

ut the commission’s approval was not for the route TransCanada had singled out in its application. Instead, the commission approved an alternative route that shifts it closer to an existing pipeline right-of-way down the eastern side of the state, a move opponents of the pipeline have said violates state statutes.

TransCanada filed a motion last month with the commission seeking permission to retrospectively amend the route application, a move that a company official said was intended to prevent lawsuits that could delay the project.

The commission on Tuesday voted 5-0 against the motion.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-pipeline-keystonexl/nebraska-regu...

I was so sure that this was going to pass. I know it’s not over yet, but it sure looks like maybe, for change, the state may do the right and responsible thing.

Maybe.

We’ll see if TransCanada appeals in the next 30 days. Or if they go back to the drawing board. Or just plain give up. Regardless, this is a win right now for every one of us who have been fighting this horrid pipeline.