Keystone XL Pipeline: The Saga Continues

Will the hand of power slap it down again? That's the question that many might be wondering in the upcoming weeks, as the Keystone XL Pipeline bill made its way through the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee last week.

Sen. Steve Daines spoke at a hearing about the pipeline bringing jobs and tax revenue that could help support infrastructure in Eastern Montana.

In November representatives passed the bill, but it failed by one vote in the Senate. As Republicans have taken control of the Senate it has been anticipated that the bill will likely pass.

President Obama has threatened to veto the bill if it were to pass, commenting that air pollution and carbon emissions would impact the environment. The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) issued last year stated that the pipeline could possibly reduce emissions from truck and train transport and would have a more minimal impact to the environment.

Another move that would possibly clear the way for the pipeline is that the courts in Nebraska issued a decision on the pipeline Friday last week. The Nebraska Supreme Court overturned an earlier district court decision finding that Gov. Dave Heineman's decision to approve the pipeline route violated the state constitution.

After that decision was reported, the House voted in favor 266 to 153, just shy of the 290 votes needed to clear a veto.

The Senate passed the vote Monday evening to begin legislation; 63-32 were in favor. While the vote still passed, the two-thirds majority is still not strong enough to overcome a veto. A final vote is expected later in the week.

The six year debate continues. It is still likely the pipeline debate is not going to be over that easy.