Lawmakers advance Neb. pipeline siting bill

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LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A bill that would give Nebraska officials authority over future oil pipeline projects has won first-round legislative approval.

The measure would apply to future pipeline projects in the state but not the Keystone XL, the proposed crude oil pipeline that prompted a special legislative session. TransCanada, the company that proposed the Keystone XL, has agreed to work with lawmakers on a separate plan to reroute that line after environmental concerns were raised.

Nebraska lawmakers advanced a measure Tuesday that would require companies to apply to the state Public’s Service Commission before they could lay oil pipelines larger than 6 inches in diameter.

The measure by Fullerton Sen. Annette Dubas also requires public notification and hearings about projects.

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