LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) – Nebraska lawmakers have introduced two new bills to regulate oil pipelines, including one that would give Gov. Dave Heineman authority to decide their routes.
The proposal by state Sen. Chris Langemeier of Schuyler would let governors certify routes within 30 days of a panel recommendation to approve or deny a pipeline permit. The panel would include governor-appointed members from various agencies, plus one county board member and one resident landowner from each congressional district. The lieutenant governor would serve as chairman.
Heineman called lawmakers to Lincoln to enact oil pipeline regulations amid concerns about the Keystone XL through Nebraska, but he has not introduced a bill of his own.
Another measure by Lincoln Sen. Bill Avery would require a permit before companies could take land through eminent domain.