Nebraska Lawmakers Scheduled To Adjourn Tuesday

The special session aimed at major oil pipelines in Nebraska is nearing its expected end.

Speaker of the Legislature Mike Flood says lawmakers could adjourn Tuesday if pipeline bills clear the Legislature as expected and are signed by Gov. Dave Heineman.

Lawmakers are advancing two pipeline bills to address concerns driven by the Keystone XL crude oil pipeline. One would require pipeline approval from the Nebraska Public Service Commission but it would only apply to future projects.

The other measure would give Nebraska the option to conduct its own environmental review of projects at state expense. Keystone XL developer TransCanada has agreed to undergo a state review and divert its line.

The session began Nov. 1 and will have lasted 15 days if lawmakers adjourn on Tuesday.
Associated Press