UPDATE 5/14/13 4:15 PM: We have just learned that Sen. Johanns withdrew his amendment to eliminate Country of Origin Labeling.  Thank you to all who called and wrote Sen. Johanns and other lawmakers about this important issue!

In a blatant slap in the face to food producers and food consumers alike, Nebraska Senator Mike Johanns has proposed an amendment to the Farm Bill that would eliminate Country Of Origin Labeling (COOL).  COOL is a provision that helps food consumers know where their food comes from, and it helps food producers distinguish their products in the marketplace.  It is truth in labeling, and it promotes informed decision-making.  

This article was originally published in the Swarthmore Phoenix and is being re-posted here with permission of the author.

In the hours before the State Department released its Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement on the proposed Keystone XL pipeline, pipeline fighters in other parts of the country were making statements of their own.

In Texas, Julia Trigg Crawford filed an appeal against TransCanada, saying that the pipeline company has no right to use eminent domain on her property because they are not a common carrier and because the pipeline will be for private economic gain.  A similar suit was overruled by a Texas judge in a 15-word statement sent on his iPhone in August of 2012.

A history of Nebraska friends of midwives and home birth advocacy in Nebraska ca be found here:

There are two bills relating to property rights that will have a hearing on Tuesday, March 5th at 9:15 AM in room 1113 of the State Capitol.

The first is LB 520, introduced by Sen. Mark Christensen.  LB520 would allow surveyors to lawfully access private property without securing permission of the landowner.  In the case of pipelines, companies such as TransCanada would be given the right to access private property to survey in preparation for obtaining easements, as long as the surveyors made a "good faith attempt" to obtain permission from the landowner.  This good faith attempt can include in-person notification or notification by regular mail.  There are no other guidelines as to what constitutes a "good faith attempt."

Nebraskans, no matter where they live or what their walk of life might be, feel a strong connection to their home state and want to protect it from harm. The most recent example of this is the release of a new live album from local-and-beyond musical group Kill County with benefits going to Bold Nebraska. 

The live recording by Ringo, banjo player and vocalist, has been donated by the band.  The proceeds of their creative work and effort in producing the music will help Bold stop the Keystone XL pipeline and protect our land water, and children's future.  As a fan, friend and follower of Kill County, I want to say a very special thank you to Ringo and the whole Kill County crew.  They are awesome and their music proves it.

**This post was written by Mika Covington at Forward Equality.  It is being re-posted with permission here.

As State Senator Sara Howard’s adoption bill LB 380, moves forward in the Nebraska Legislature, Forward Equality would like to share information on LB 380 and why it is so important for Nebraska’s children and families.

On January 11, 2013, District 34 Senator Annette Dubas introduced LB152, which deals with eminent domain in our state.  The simple 2-page bill, though never specifically mentioning pipelines, could have huge implications when it comes to the Keystone XL pipeline and TransCanada.  

The hearing for LB 152 will be held on Wednesday, January 30th, at 1:30 PM in Room 113 at the State Capitol. If you can not join us in-person, you can watch the hearing live on NET's website.

Bold teamed up with Oil Change International to create an infographic with basic facts on the pipeline in a visual way that we can all share on Facebook, Twitter and email. The graphic was designed by fellow Nebraskan Justin Kemerling. Citizens and landowners asked us to create a visual that had the basic facts on why we are fighting this export tarsands pipeline.

Now more than ever it is important to realize that the very same risks to our land and water that worried Nebraskans for the past three years still exist. The concerns of Nebraskans have been ignored by our legislature and by the DEQ, the state agency authorized by an unconstitutional bill to review this pipeline route. Gov. Heineman, who called on President Obama to deny the pipeline permit because the proposed route crossed the Ogallala Aquifer, has now flip-flopped and expressed his desire to see the project completed as soon as possible. Citizens will continue to rise up and show our strength as our elected officials sit by and watch a foreign corporation threaten our land and water.

Bold Nebraska and allied groups have been working with landowners and citizens for over two years making sure our voices are heard on the concerns over the pipeline. Our goal is to stop the TransCanada pipeline. If we can't stop it, we want to make sure landowners rights are protected and our water and land are safe.

We have word that TransCanada is misleading landowners telling them "this is your best deal, if you don't sign TODAY we will take you to court using eminent domain and you will get nothing." This is 100% a lie from TransCanada. If you would like free information so that you are fully informed of your options and your rights please contact ben@boldnebraska.org right away or call NEAT at 402-705-8679.