Nebraska’s highest court lifted one of the last major hurdles for the Keystone XL pipeline on Friday when it rejected another attempt to derail the project by opponents who wanted to force the developer to reapply for state approval.
The Nebraska Supreme Court upheld the decision of regulators who voted in November 2017 to green-light a route through the state. The court’s decision was a victory for the $8 billion project, which has been mired in lawsuits and regulatory hearings since it was proposed in 2008.
READ MORE: U.S. court lifts block on Keystone XL pipeline construction
The Nebraska Public Service Commission voted 3-2 in favour of an “alternative route” for the project instead of developer TC Energy’s preferred pathway for the pipeline. Opponents filed a lawsuit arguing the company didn’t follow all the required procedures for the alternative route, in violation of state law.
Attorneys for the opponents argued that TC Energy’s application with the commission was only valid for its preferred route, and the company formerly known as TransCanada could only seek approval for one route at a time. Nebraska state attorneys disputed that claim, saying that the commission’s decision complied with the law and was in the public’s interest.
The high court on Friday sided with the state, saying the Public Service Commission is the agency responsible for determining which pipeline route is in the public interest, and that it did so after months of consideration.
“We find there is sufficient evidence to support the PSC’s determination that the (alternative route) is in the public interest,” Justice Jeffrey Funke wrote for the court.
WATCH BELOW: Edmonton’s chief economist John Rose said the approval of the Keystone XL pipeline project through Nebraska is good news for Edmonton and for Alberta’s economy. He speaks about the economic benefits.
READ MORE: Pipeline opponents ask judge to strike down Trump’s Keystone XL permit
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney called the decision “encouraging” for Alberta and Canada.
“This court victory is another step forward for this vital pipeline project after far too many years of regulatory delays and hurdles,” Kenney said.
If completed, the pipeline would carry oil from Canada through Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska, where it would connect to an existing pump station in Steele City, Nebraska. From there it would continue through Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas until it reaches Gulf Coast refineries. Business groups and some unions support the project as a way to create jobs and reduce the risk of shipping oil by trains that can derail.
“The Supreme Court decision is another important step as we advance towards building this vital energy infrastructure project,” said Russ Girling, CEO of the Calgary-based proponent of the line, TC Energy Corp., in a statement.
“We thank the thousands of government leaders, landowners, labour unions and other community partners for their continued support through this extensive review process. It has been their unwavering support that has advanced this project to where it is today.”
The pipeline faces intense resistance from environmental groups, Native American tribes and some landowners along the route who worry about its long-term impact on their groundwater and property rights. But in Nebraska, many affected landowners have accepted the project and are eager to collect payments from the company.
“In all of our government’s engagement with U.S. officials, we have consistently stated that this pipeline is critical to North American security and prosperity,” Kenney said.
“Alberta is a stable, secure and responsible energy supplier to the United States that can be relied on at a time of geopolitical uncertainty.”
READ MORE: Donald Trump issues new permit for Keystone pipeline
President Barack Obama’s administration studied the project for years before finally rejecting it in 2015 because of concerns about carbon pollution. President Donald Trump reversed that decision in March 2017. Federal approval was required because the route crosses an international border.
Watch Below: Months after the Keystone XL pipeline through the U.S. was approved by the Trump administration, an American court put everything on hold. Vinesh Pratap has more on the implications in Alberta.
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