APTN National News
Shortly after learning Nebraska approved an alternate route for Keystone XL pipeline Alberta Premier Alison Redford said it was good news for her province.
“We were pleased to see (Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman) carefully reviewed a state report that concluded environmental concerns were minimal, economic benefits to his state were high and that a pipeline carrying oil sands crude should not be treated differently than any other crude,” said Redford.
Heinman wrote United States President Barack Obama Tuesday to inform him of Nebraska’s decision.
The 1,700 mile Canada-to-Texas pipeline will avoid the environmentally sensitive Sandhills region said Heineman in his letter according to USA Today.
However, it will cut through the High Plains Aquifer.
The deal is far from over, as the State Department must approve the project. Obama blocked a quick approval of the pipeline project last January.
“We respect and understand that approval of the pipeline is a US domestic matter and that this is just one step in the process that will ultimately be decided by the president,” said Redford.
Opposition to the Keystone XL pipeline began to spread last year.
The fight moved to South Dakota in March 2012 where the Lakota blocked truckers from passing through their tribal lands.
Redford said the pipeline is crucial for Alberta and give them “new market access.”
