SD Senators Disagree on Oil Pipeline Approval Time

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota’s two U.S. senators disagree on whether language speeding up approval of the Keystone XL oil pipeline should be included in a bill seeking to extend a payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits.

House Republicans passed a version that includes a requirement that federal officials decide within two months whether to approve the $7 billion pipeline that would deliver Canadian crude to Texas refineries near the Gulf Coast. Senate Democrats and President Barack Obama do not want the pipeline provision in the bill.

Democratic Senator Tim Johnson says he agrees with Nebraska officials that the pipeline route should be changed, and that will require extra time for environmental analysis. Republican Senator John Thune says the pipeline should be sped up because it could create 20,000 jobs nationwide. The proposed route of the pipeline carries it through eastern Smith County.