Hoeven Statement on Today's Nebraska Court Decision Regarding Gov. Heineman's Approval of Revised Keystone XL Route

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after a Nebraska judge’s ruling that the state Public Service Commission, rather than Governor Dave Heineman, has the authority to approve an alternative route through Nebraska for the Keystone XL pipeline project.

“We have not yet reviewed today’s court ruling, but we recognize that Nebraska has to work through its process on this very important energy project for America. We believe, however, that the environmental concerns in Nebraska, and in every other state through which the pipeline will pass, have been addressed.

“Because the state of Nebraska made a thorough review of the alternative route, we would expect the Nebraska Public Service Commission to make the same decision as the governor in approving the new route and to do so in a timely manner.

“Following the release two weeks ago of the State Department’s fifth and final favorable Environmental Impact Statement, the Keystone XL pipeline’s good environmental stewardship and safety are well established, and the president should approve it. The State Department should now come forward promptly with a determination of the national interest based on the merits and importance of this much-needed energy infrastructure project for the nation.”

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