Nebraska Law that Allowed Keystone XL Struck Down

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP/Staff) – A judge has struck down a Nebraska law that allowed the Keystone XL oil pipeline to proceed through the state. Lancaster County Judge Stephanie Stacy issued a ruling Wednesday that invalidated Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman’s approval of the route. Stacy says the decision should have been made by the Nebraska Public Service Commission, which regulates pipelines and other utilities. The ruling could cause more delays in finishing the pipeline, which would carry oil from Canada to Texas refineries. But it’s a win for Nebraska-based pipeline opponents. They’ve argued that Heineman exceeded his authority when he approved the route in January 2013. Oil began flowing last month through the southern leg of the pipeline, which passes through much of East Texas, including eastern Smith County.