LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Opponents of the Keystone XL pipeline are asking Nebraska lawmakers to repeal the law that allowed former Gov. Dave Heineman to approve a route through the state.

Landowners and activists squared off with pipeline builder TransCanada on Wednesday in a hearing that included several testy exchanges with lawmakers.

The 2012 state law allowed pipeline developer TransCanada to use eminent domain on holdout landowners once the route was approved.

Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha says he introduced the bill as a “shot across the bow” to TransCanada, and to give voice to landowners who continue to oppose the pipeline.

TransCanada land manager Andrew Craig says eminent domain is a tool of last resort which is needed to develop infrastructure.