Neb. gov supports efforts to speed up Keystone XL

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LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Gov. Dave Heineman says he supports efforts to accelerate the federal approval process for a controversial crude oil pipeline through Nebraska.

The Republican governor said Monday that he'd like to see the Keystone XL project move forward as soon as state officials agree to a new, acceptable route in Nebraska.

Pipeline developer TransCanada agreed to divert the 1,700-mile project away from the sensitive Nebraska Sandhills after Heineman called a special session aimed at the Keystone XL. Environmentalists say the Canada-to-Texas pipeline threatens the state's water and wildlife.

The U.S. State Department has said it will delay a decision until 2013, after the presidential election. U.S. House Republicans are attempting to force an earlier decision.

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