Nelson wants pipeline input

WASHINGTON - Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., said Wednesday that he has urged federal officials to seek analysis from Nebraska state agencies about the proposed Keystone XL oil pipeline that would cross the Sand Hills.

The U.S. State Department just announced an extension of the time for obtaining information from other federal agencies on the pipeline. It is handling oversight because of the pipeline crossing the U.S.-Canada border.

"That's a good move," Nelson said during a conference call with reporters. "Certainly, with the continuing Gulf of Mexico oil spill tragedy and a break in a pipeline this week in Michigan, the State Department should seek to gain a better understanding of safety issues and the environmental impacts of the proposed oil pipeline on our state."

But Nelson said the department should cast a wider net than just talking to other federal agencies. He said he has sent a letter to the State Department highlighting the importance of obtaining input from state officials in Nebraska.

"Whatever decision the department reaches on the proposed Keystone pipeline, it must take into full account all viewpoints from federal and state sources and consider fully the importance of the Ogallala Aquifer and the Sand Hills to Nebraska's economic and agricultural livelihood," he said.

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