A Canadian energy company says it has a presidential permit from the State Department to build the Keystone XL oil pipeline.
In a statement Friday morning, the president and CEO of TransCanada called it a "significant milestone for the Keystone XL project." The pipeline from Canada to the Gulf Coast was blocked by former President Obama, who said it would do nothing to reduce U.S. fuel prices and would contribute to global warming.
Governor Pete Ricketts issued a statement Friday morning applauding the presidential permit.
"The Presidential permit for the Keystone XL pipeline is a welcome step forward to securing improved energy infrastructure in Nebraska and nationally, while also creating jobs and ensuring our energy independence. The project will also benefit Nebraska by bringing an estimated $11.8 million in property tax revenue in the first year to 12 Nebraska counties. I have full confidence that the Public Service Commission will conduct a thorough and fair review of the application and appreciate their work to ensure the project serves the public interest."
Keystone will carry tar sands oil from Canada through Nebraska and onto refineries on the Texas Gulf Coast.