Editor’s note: President Joe Biden signed an executive order revoking the Keystone XL pipeline permit. A coalition of 21 states is now suing him for revoking the permit. The proposed 1,200 mile KXL pipeline, which groups have fought for years, would carry dirty tar sands oil from Canada to the U.S., threatening the Ogallala Aquifer, the largest fresh water aquifer in existence, native lands and farmlands. Art Tanderup, a Nebraska farmer and a long-time leader of the fight, comments on the victory:
I believe that the attorney generals suing Biden is an attempt to keep KXL in the news, hoping their attempts will gain some traction as they continue to put pressure on the President.
Landowners along the route are obviously excited that President Biden has rejected the pipeline and is tackling climate change head on.
In Nebraska, Trans Canada is still pursuing eminent domain on the remaining landowners. There is no permit, yet they insist on continuing the eminent domain process and taking possession of the easements. Consequently, we are working to stop this total unnecessary property rights violation. We know that the President is solid on his commitment to stop this pipeline. Trans Canada must think that a pro-pipeline President will win in four years.
— Art Tanderup