Lincoln, Neb. ? The CEO of pipeline developer TransCanada says he believes some resistance to the Keystone XL crude oil pipeline will dissipate if a new route in Nebraska wins approval.

But Russ Girling tells The Associated Press that he expects some people will remain opposed to the $7 billion project no matter what the company does.

Nebraska has been at the center of the debate over the proposed pipeline as a coalition of landowners, environmentalists and other activists joined to oppose its route through the sensitive Sandhills region. Others have supported the line, arguing it will produce thousands of jobs and help the United States become less reliant on oil from the Middle East.

The 1,700-mile pipeline would run from Canada to Texas Gulf Coast refineries if approved.