It does not appear that the pro and anti Keystone XL pipeline forces will bridge their differences anytime in the near future.

Trans Canada, the corporation seeking to develop the 1897-km, 36 inch, $8 billion pipeline is confident that it is in the best interests of the United States, as the pipeline will create thousands of construction jobs and lead to America's energy independence.

Nebraskan environmental groups are equally convinced that their environmental concerns will ultimately sway Nebraskan state authorities not to sanction the pipeline: possibility of pipeline rupture, disruption of family farms, threat to wildlife along the proposed route. They also say that the state should favor local interests over foreign and point to the worldwide glut of oil looking for a market.

If approved, the pipeline would transport oil from oil sands deposits from Alberta through Montana and South Dakota to Nebraska, where it would connect with existing pipelines that feed Texas Gulf Coast refineries. It may also provide access for oil fields in North Dakota.

The five members of the Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) have until Nov. 23 to decide.