Sen. Johanns' and Rep. Terry's support for Congressional bills that would force approval of the (already denied) Keystone XL pipeline not only goes against Nebraskans' concerns about our land and water, but it is also a fruitless endeavor akin to chasing Moby Dick.

President Obama denied TransCanada's permit request to build the Keystone XL pipeline which means TransCanada must resubmit an application to the State Department. If TransCanada submits a new application, the review process starts from the beginning. Specifically in Nebraska, this means that TransCanada must--according to law passed during the Pipeline Special Session--submit a route application to the Public Service Commission. The denial of the pipeline however has not stopped the GOP's pursuit of political theater in the name of “jobs.” 

Less than a month ago Senator Johanns said Congress has little role in the Keystone XL pipeline and the decision is in President Obama's hands. However, today he did a 180 and joined a reckless group of GOP Senators on Capitol Hill looking to ram the Keystone XL pipeline down America’s throat.  Johanns is now a co-sponsor of Senator Lugar’s bill that would require the Obama administration to rubberstamp the Keystone XL in 60 days, before details on a reroute have even been determined, let alone studied.

Simply put, Senator Johanns (and Representatives Terry and Smith) wants to impose an arbitrary deadline for analyzing the pipeline. This is something that the Unicameral decided not to do when they set up the State's review process just days ago.