From BOLD Nebraska:
In a split decision, the Nebraska Supreme Court ruled on Friday to allow LB 1161 to stand. Four of the seven justices sided with landowners, but we needed five to win — as a “supermajority” of concurring justices is required when constitutional issues are raised.
The Nebraska Supreme Court overturned a lower court decision that stated the Unicameral and Governor used an illegal routing process for the Keystone XL pipeline.
TransCanada is left with a risky route to defend. The decision is now in Pres. Obama’s hands. This is a bad day for property rights in Nebraska. Private, foreign corporations now know they can buy their way through our state.
This ruling does clear the way for the State Department to complete their analysis and for federal agencies to weigh in on risks to water and climate.
We are confident the President will stand with farmers, ranchers and tribal communities and reject Keystone XL once and for all.