TransCanada execs propose 100-mile Keystone XL reroute around the darn Nebraska aquifer

TransCanada executives could submit a new route for their Keystone XL pipeline for approval by the U.S. government in just weeks, according to the Associated Press. Alex Pourbaix, president of the company’s energy and oil pipelines division, said on Tuesday there are several proposals to re-route the pipeline around the Nebraska Sandhills region. This portion of the proposed pipeline meant to link Alberta’s oilsands with Texas refineries was reportedly the reason why President Barak Obama rejected the project earlier this year, amid concerns that it would endanger an aquifer that provides water to eight states.

FromAP article:

It appears the new plan will require about 20 miles of additional pipe, and about a 100-mile to 110-mile reroute around the Sandhills, Pourbaix said. "Imagine a jog around the Sandhills," he  said. "We’re talking about a relatively modest jog around the Sandhills."

Pourbaix said TransCanada could still finish the pipeline by 2015 if the new route is approved this year.