Nebraskans for Tyson Larson

The special session got underway last week with introduction of six legislative bills, one of which authorizes the expenses of the Legislature. The remaining five bills relate to oil pipelines. Senator Annette Dubas of Fullerton, Senator Chris Langemeier of Schuyler, and Senator Ken Haar of Malcolm have each introduced legislation that would put a process in place to give Nebraska siting authority over oil pipelines. The three bills take a different approach as to who would have the authority to grant or deny certification of an oil pipeline. LB1, introduced by Senator Dubas, would place that authority in the hands of the Public Service Commission (PSC). LB4, introduced by Senator Langemeier, would instead authorize the Governor to make the ultimate determination. LB5, introduced by Senator Haar, would also authorize the PSC to make the decision, but instead of evaluating several economic and environmental factors like in LB1 and LB4, the decision would be based solely on whether the pipeline route extends through particular areas of the state, like the Sandhills or areas where the ground water is particularly close to the surface. I am evaluating each of these bills to determine which is the best approach to siting legislation and will work with my colleagues to see that siting legislation is fully debated.