By Scott Harvey
– The disputed TransCanada Keystone XL pipeline is now before a congressional committee in the U.S House of Representatives.
A Canadian company wants to build a 1,900-mile pipeline to carry crude oil extracted from tar sands in Canada, through East Texas to refineries on the gulf coast.
Representative Jeb Hensarling said he understands the concerns of East Texas landowners but supports the pipeline because he says it would provide fuel for Americans from a friendly source.
Citizens have until June 6 to comment on an environmental impact study conducted by the State Department. If approved, the pipeline would run through several local counties, including Lamar, Delta, Hopkins and Wood counties.