Lawmakers Advance Neb. Pipeline Bill

LINCOLN, NE - 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 six inches in diameter.

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