Terry bill clears the way for pipeline

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) _ Representative Lee Terry has introduced a bill to allow the Keystone XL oil pipeline to be built sooner than later.

The Nebraska Republican has long supported construction of the 1,700-mile pipeline that would carry crude oil from western Canada to refineries in Texas. The pipeline would travel through Montana, South Dakota, Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma.

Terry's bill would remove the need for a presidential permit for the pipeline to be built.

Earlier this week, Republicans who met with President Barack Obama said the president did not rule out a decision to approve the $7 billion pipeline.

But Terry says he and others are tired of waiting and that the project would create thousands of jobs.

Opponents say the jobs numbers are exaggerated and that the pipeline poses an environmental threat.

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