LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — U.S. State Department officials are getting a loud earful from supporters and opponents of a proposed oil pipeline that would cross Nebraska’s vast underground water supply.
Both sides traded boos and jeers Tuesday during an emotional federal hearing in downtown Lincoln.
Nebraska state Sen. Ken Haar, a leading pipeline critic, urged State Department officials to delay their decision on the Keystone XL pipeline or reject it. Federal officials have said they will decide by the year’s end.
Haar said the federal government and the pipeline operator, TransCanada, are trying to define the national interest and “don’t give a damn about Nebraska.”
Nebraska State Sen. Jim Smith, a pipeline supporter, said the proposed route is the safest and most environmental. As he finished his remarks, protesters shouted, “Shame on you!”
