Opponents of the Keystone XL oil pipeline say there’s the potential for additional legal action following the Nebraska Supreme Court’s ruling Friday.
Four State Supreme Court justices ruled the landowners who sued over pipeline siting authority had legal standing to challenge whether the law was constitutional. But five justices were needed, meaning the siting law stands.
Brian Jorde is an attorney with the Domina Law Group, which represented the landowners. He says the case wasn’t decided on its merits.
"The irony is right now in Nebraska, 4-0 the Nebraska Supreme Court says this is an unconstitutional law, which is our argument. But the three not participating prevent a 5-2 vote on the ultimate issue. So right now, we’re in this kind of an odd limbo."
Jorde said during a conference call Friday morning that he couldn't discuss potential legal action at this time.
Beth Chalecki teaches International Relations at UNO. She says the pipeline ruling should spur a larger, national discussion about U.S. investment in energy sources.
"Why not put the same amount, or perhaps greater, from an environmental point of view, in to non-fossil renewables such as wind and nuclear as well? There’s certainly things that energy and wind can’t do that oil can. But we need to have a real clear-headed conversation in this country about where our future energy resources are coming from."
The House voted Friday to authorize construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. Among those voting yes was Second District Congressman Brad Ashford. The Senate is set to vote on the pipeline Monday. President Obama says he’ll veto that legislation.