As Odds Grow Long, Opponents Move to Stop Pipeline

MARTELL, NEB. (AP) � Now that a recent environmental report has cleared the way for a decision on the Keystone XL pipeline, a diverse band of activists is mustering a new effort to kill the project. The opponents hope to make a big showing at a public hearing on the pipeline in Nebraska this spring. They say they are also appealing to new Secretary of State John Kerry to recommend that federal approval be denied.

The activists include both veteran environmentalists and conservative ranchers angry about intrusions on their property.

The pipeline would transport 800,000 barrels of oil per day from the tar sands in Alberta, Canada, to refineries on the Texas Gulf Coast. The route carries the pipeline through eastern Smith County.

The TransCanada oil company says the project would create jobs and further North American energy independence.