Nebraska lawmakers have begun a special session to consider new oil pipeline regulations due to concerns about a plan to build a line through the state that would carry crude oil from Canada to Texas.

Although conservatives typically supportive of energy companies dominate Nebraska politics, many legislators and Republican Gov. Dave Heineman have expressed concern about the planned Keystone XL pipeline's route through the Ogallala aquifer.

Last week, Heineman called the session beginning Tuesday to consider legislation giving the state more control over the pipeline route.

The session could run through Thanksgiving.

TransCanada, the pipeline's Canadian-based developer, says the
project will reduce U.S. dependence on oil from other nations. But
a coalition of environmentalists, land owners, and state lawmakers
fear the pipeline could leak and contaminate the Ogallala aquifer.