Bold Nebraska keeps pressure on legislature
by
Josh Egbert
Story Created:
Nov 15, 2011 at 12:57 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Nov 15, 2011 at 1:17 PM CDT
If you thought the pipeline controversy was over because of the State Department decision, think again. Pipeline opponents continue to push for legislation on the state level.
Right behind me through these doors are members of Bold Nebraska. They are here to remind senators that Nebraskan's have a voice especially when it comes to the Keystone XL pipeline and they will be here just as long as those senators are debating.
"Citizens have been the ones that have made sure the process has gotten this far from the very beginning," said Bold Nebraska Executive Director Jane Kleeb.
Since the beginning of the Keystone XL pipeline battle began, Bold Nebraska has been righ there.
"We wanted to make sure state senators know that citizens are still here. We're watching and we want them to pass a bill," said Kleeb.
Last week, the State Department announced a delay in the pipeline permit, saying it needs to look at different routes.
"Right now it's critical to stay in special session tomorrow, another oil pipeline could try to cross the sandhills," said Kleeb.
Kleeb says the state still needs to come up with a permanent solution regarding oil pipelines.
"Without the proper regulations in place, to site and regulate oil pipelines, we are again going to be on pins and needles, that's why they need to stay and do the job," Kleeb said.
Kleeb says she doesn't want Nebraska's elected officials in the unicameral to be like those back in Washington.
"Don't want them to be the do nothing unicameral, they have to pass a bill," said Kleeb.
Kleeb says common sense regulations needs to come out of the session, which is costing tax payers thousands of dollars a day.
"If no bill comes out, I think if state senators thought citizens were a thorn in their side now, they can expect a big rose bush come election season 2012," said Kleeb.
Kleeb does expect between 100 and 150 members of Bold Nebraska to be here at the capitol just as long as the senators are here, however long that will take.
Senators hope to have the special session wrapped up by next week.
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