Opponents of the Keystone XL pipeline are claiming new allies in their push to keep the project away from the Ogallala Aquifer: the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who.

The group Bold Nebraska says the two fictional Dr. Seuss characters will visit Gov. Dave Heineman's residence at noon on Christmas Eve day. The group says the Grinch will deliver gifts that symbolize landowner rights.

Pipeline opponents are imploring Heineman to deny state approval for the project, which would carry oil from Canada to Texas refineries. Heineman has said he expects a recommendation from Nebraska's environmental-quality agency by early January at the latest.

Pipeline developer TransCanada has agreed to move the proposed route out of the Nebraska Sandhills, but opponents say it still cuts through the aquifer, a massive groundwater supply.