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Opponents of XL Pipeline Say they Won't Give Up, Despite Neb High Court Ruling

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The Nebraska Supreme Court today upheld regulators’ decision last year to allow the Keystone XL Pipeline to continue to be built across Nebraska. 

The court rejected another attempt to derail the project by opponents.  They want to force the developer to reapply for state approval.

For Neligh Nebraska farmer and pipeline opponent Art Tanderup, this fight is personal.  The route that runs through his land and he says it isn’t safe for the High Plains Aquifer, which supplies water to 82 percent of people who live there.  

Tandersup says the chosen route runs through the Eastern Sandhills where the aquifer is very high. He says the court’s ruling today says that’s not true. 

Pipeline opponents say they aren’t giving up and there are still three federal lawsuits pending against the pipeline.  The area of the route that runs through Tanderup’s land now belongs to the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska to plant their sacred corn, a gift from the owner.  But if the developers apply for and get an eminent domain on that land, the tribe could lose it.  

The man who admitted to stabbing and killing Iowa State University golfer Celia Barquin Arozamena has been sentenced to life in prison without parole. Collin Richards pleaded guilty to the murder in June and was sentenced in court today 

Story County Attorney Jessica Reynolds says it was a painful case and the healing process for the community is ongoing.

Barquin Arozamena was a championship golfer at Iowa State. She was attacked while playing a round on a course near campus. Richards was living in a nearby homeless camp at the time.

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