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Nebraska approves Keystone XL pipeline

12 minutes ago


Nebraska regulators have approved the Keystone XL pipeline, clearing the way for the controversial and long-delayed project to progress.

The commissioners voted 3-2 in favour of the project, which will link Canada's oil sands to US refineries.

The decision comes days after a leak in the existing Keystone network spilled 210,000 gallons in South Dakota.

The pipeline is backed by US President Donald Trump but opposed by environmentalists and some landowners.

Former President Barack Obama had rejected the project in 2015 on environmental grounds, but President Trump reversed the decision earlier this year.

That left the fate of the 1,179-mile (1,897-km) pipeline in the hands of Nebraska's Public Service Commission.

On Monday the commissioners voted to approve the "mainline alternative route", slightly different from the route preferred by TransCanada, the firm spearheading the project.

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The decision is subject to appeal. TransCanada is also reviewing demand from shipping firms.

http://www.bbc.com/news/business-42056246