Update Sought on Keystone XL Pipeline

EAST TEXAS (Staff/AP) — The mayors of three East Texas towns have asked federal regulators for an update on the Keystone XL pipeline. The mayors of Reklaw, Alto and Gallatin want to know why crews have been replacing sections of the pipeline and whether there are any safety issues involved. Environmental groups and Texas landowners along the southern section of the Keystone XL have been working to stop the project. The protests increased after a breach in an ExxonMobil pipeline caused a major spill in Arkansas.

Late last month, TransCanada spokesman Shawn Howard said in an email that inspections of the pipeline revealed “small imperfections.” He said nine sections totaling about 81 feet would be repaired. Federal officials say they are aware of the repair work and are monitoring TransCanada’s progress.