Hearings Over Keystone Pipeline Bills Begin - FOX 42: Omaha News, Sports and Weather; kptm.com |

Curt Casper

LINCOLN (KPTM)- The debate over a huge oil pipeline is now in the hands of Nebraska lawmakers.

It is a bill that demands an alternate route for the pipeline got a lot of attention Monday.

Those who want the pipeline built and are in favor of the bill had to wait all day for their turn at the podium.

Those against the pipeline shared concerns over possible leaks and how those could affect drinking water supplies.

Hundreds  packed into a room hoping to state their peace.

"I hear a lot of negative things about Transcanada, the pipeline, and i haven't experienced any of that," pipeline support Curt Carlson said.

 Carlson has lived near central city for the last 20 years and uses a lot of gas every day.

"I travel a lot. Probably 35,000 to 45,000 on the road, traveling to see costumers." He was at Monday's hearing and thinks the pipeline will help hold down gas prices.

"I like stable prices. I don't like to see the prices go up and down 15 to 20 cents."     

Transcanada's Vice President was also at the hearing.  He says the company has been trying to get the pipeline through Nebraska for the last 3 years.

But he says you aren't hearing the whole truth about it.

 "They have an allegation virtually every single day and these allegations are preposterous," Transcanada Vice President Robert Jones said.

For now the debate will continue. Both sides are not giving up ground.

There are more hearings Tuesday the special session continues.