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Nebraska Governor returns campaign donation to TransCanada and worries about water impact of oil sands pipeline

Hillary Clinton says she is inclined to approve TransCanada’s proposed Keystone XL pipeline that would bring oil sands production into the US as far as Texas.

Meanwhile, Nebraska governor Dave Heineman has written to Clinton expressing his concerns about impacts on water in his state. He writes that, “Almost 300 miles of the proposed pipeline will come through Nebraska and be situated directly over the Ogallala Aquifer. This aquifer provides water to farmers and ranchers of Nebraska to raise livestock and grow crops.” … “Nebraskans are concerned that the proposed pipeline route could contaminate the Ogallala Aquifer and I share that concern.” In the letter dated Oct. 12, he asks for a thorough review and for the State Dept. to ensure that it is “properly constructed, carefully operated, and well maintatined so that Nebraska’s natural resources are protected.” The letter was obtained by the National Wildlife Federation.

Heineman is a Republican who is running for reelection on Nov. 2. (His seat is considered safe.) He recently gave back a $2,500 campaign donation from TransCanada because donations from foreigners are banned under US election finance laws. Nonetheless, the Nebraska Democratic Party is now calling for an investigation.

 

 

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