Opponents of Keystone XL Pipeline speak out against DEQ report

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by Lauren Conley

Story Created: Jan 5, 2013 at 10:54 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jan 6, 2013 at 12:13 AM CDT

Governor Dave Heineman has 30 days to make a decision on the future of the Keystone XL pipeline. A new report by the Department of Environmental Quality says the proposed route would minimize possible negative impacts.

A small stake in the ground marks where the Keystone XL Pipeline will cross Jenni Harrington's land.

"As a family we don't want anything to do with it and we're being forced to have something to do with it and that's really hard, that's a hard pill to swallow," said Jenni Harrington, Landowner.

The land in Bradshaw, Nebraska has been in Harrington's family for almost 150 years.

And she hopes it will stay in the family for at least 150 more.

She fears a leak in the pipeline would not only devalue the land, but also make it unsafe to farm.

"There's a huge risk if it ever did leak and they do leak. There has been leaks of tar sand pipelines," Harrington said.

The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality says the pipeline route avoids the environmentally sensitive Sand Hills, but does cross the High Plains Aquifer.

It continues by saying impacts on aquifers would be localized and Keystone would be responsible for any cleanup.

This doesn't satisfy Harrington.

"They know it's going to leak, they plan on leaks, and wow, I just, you know, I feel like we're being sold out for big oil money," Harrington said.

Governor Heineman originally opposed the pipeline, but will the latest report change his mind?

"I know it's hard for Governors to turn down money, I know our state has needs, but I also, I hope that he thinks about the future and the children in the future," Harrington added.

The U.S. State Department is also conducting a review of the pipeline. That's expected to be released in coming months.

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