By: Ian Hest
ihest@klkntv.com
Six Nebraskans were arrested Monday, protesting in Washington, D.C. It's all in opposition to the controversial Keystone XL Pipeline. A project some Nebraskans say will have terrible consequences for our state.
The Keystone XL pipeline, if built would run thru seven states, including Nebraska, importing a million barrels of oil from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico every day. However, some don't want the project to break ground. Take University of Nebraska Senior Tyson Johnson. He and five other Nebraskans were arrested outside the White House Monday for protesting the pipeline.
"At this time, when we say that we are looking towards renewable energy, I don't think we need to be taking this step back for a fuel that is even more polluting, more hazardous to our environment than regular crude oil," Johnson said.
The six were a part of nearly 50 people being arrested each day to oppose the pipeline. Johnson says a possible spill could be devastating for our state. "I think in Nebraska the issue is unique because it's not strictly an environmental issue. Because you can without a doubt look at it from an environmental perspective but in Nebraska it's something much more important as it puts our Ogallala Aquifer at risk," Johnson said.
But not all think the pipeline is dangerous. Dr. Winston Porter served as an EPA assistant administrator. He says the pipeline is safer than alternatives. "By far, pipelines are our safest mode of transporting oil. Nothing is perfectly safe, but it's much safer than railroads, much, much safer than trucks," Dr. Porter said.
The final decision on whether to continue with the project ultimately lies with President Obama and his advisors. The state department will hold a hearing early next month to decide the project's future. For now the debate continues how to best address the issue.
