NORFOLK, Neb (KTIV/US92) -
Norfolk, Nebraska took center stage in the debate over the proposed Keystone XL Pipeline, Tuesday, as members of the state legislature met with high-ranking officials with Canadian company, TransCanada.
Nebraska state senators and Canadian pipeline officials met in downtown Norfolk hashing out concerns both legislators and residents have with the proposed Keystone XL route over the Ogallala Aquifer, which provides groundwater for seven states.
The officials met behind closed doors for five hours… after which TransCanada made it clear they aren't planning on changing the pipeline's route. The senators said the legislature is no closer to a special session in regards to the pipeline than they were before. So what did they discuss? Mostly, what happens if the pipeline fails. Sen. Mike Flood, Norfolk says, "I don't think the people in Holt County or anywhere along this route are trying to figure out who's legally on the line. They want to know what happens if or when a spill happens."
Alex Pourbaix, TransCanada Energy's President said his company can take a second look. "We do think that there are some things that we can go back and look at that will probably go a long way to minimizing the concerns of Nebraskans with respect to their water supply," Pourbaix said.
That did little to appease the dozen or so protesters that came out Tuesday. Most of them drove two hours from their homes in Atkinson. That's one of the cities near the proposed route. They say they want less talk…and more action. Malinda Fervert, Bold Nebraska: "At this point, Nebraskans want something to be done. Inaction at this point is inexcusable."
TransCanada said they'll get back to the senators within the next two or three days with possible solutions to allay Nebraskans fears. But with the US State Department expected to make their decision on the pipeline by December…the time for some type is action is drawing near.
