New possible problems in Keystone XL pipeline approval process
Posted Nov 1, 2011 7:10 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A special session of the Nebraskan Legislature has been called Tuesday to look at possibly re-routing part of the 2,700-kilometre Keystone XL pipeline project.
The pipeline would boost Alberta oilsands shipments to the U.S. Gulf Coast.
The re-routing would solve some of the environmental concerns that have been raised regarding the pipeline and its passage through the state’s vital source of water, the Ogallala Aquifer.
TransCanada Corp. says the introduction of such legislation so late in the approval process could lead to a constitutional court battle.
The $7-billion pipeline has been under intense scrutiny for more than three years.
Meanwhile, Minister of Natural Resources Joe Oliver says rejection of the pipeline by the Obama administration could force Ottawa to look at selling more of its energy to Asian customers instead.
The White House is expected to announce its decision by the end of the year, even though Nov. 1, 2011 was the original target date.
