Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson said Wednesday that he sent a letter to the U.S. State Department asking for an update and copies of correspondence concerning its efforts to gather analyses and viewpoints from federal, state and local officials about the Keystone XL pipeline proposed to be constructed from Canada through Nebraska.

“Certainly with the continuing Gulf of Mexico oil spill tragedy and a break in a pipeline this week in Michigan, the State Department should seek to gain a better understanding of safety issues and the environmental impacts of the proposed oil pipeline on our state,” Senator Nelson said in his weekly conference call today with Nebraska media. “It is important that the Department seek all analyses regarding the Keystone project, not only from federal sources but also from state and local government agencies.

“It is my understanding that the Department did extend its deadline for public comment to allow for additional views from state officials in Nebraska. That will help answer concerns and uncertainties I’m hearing from many Nebraskans.

“Whatever decision the Department reaches on the proposed Keystone pipeline, it must take into full account all viewpoints—from federal and state sources--and consider the importance of the Ogallala Aquifer and the Sandhills to Nebraska's economic and agricultural livelihood,” Nelson said.