NE Speaker Opposes Special Session

LINCOLN, NE - Nebraska Speaker of the Legislature Mike Flood says a proposal that would give the state authority to reroute a controversial oil pipeline raises serious constitutional concerns.

Flood released a written response Wednesday to a push for a special session to address the route of the Keystone XL pipeline.  The line will run from Canada to Texas refineries and cross part of the Ogallala aquifer if it wins federal approval.

Flood says the state should adopt siting legislation once lawmakers convene in their regular session in January. A federal decision on the Keystone XL is expected by year's end.

Flood says it would be "reckless and disingenuous" to suggest that siting legislation aimed at the Keystone XL during a special session would withstand a court challenge.