Will Obama Administration Clear Keystone XL Pipeline?

The future of the controversial Keystone XL oil pipeline is in the hands of the State Department. President Obama rejected a similar pipeline proposal last year, but now that Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman has approved an alternative route through his state, the approval process is back on track.

Because the Keystone XL would cross an international boundary — between Saskatchewan and Montana — it requires review by the State Department and a special presidential permit.

Environmental groups oppose the pipeline because the oil comes from Canada’s tar sands, which requires a process that emits more pollution than traditional methods.