(1) If a pipeline carrier proposes to construct a major oil pipeline to be placed in operation in Nebraska after November 23, 2011, and the pipeline carrier has submitted a route for an oil pipeline within, through, or across Nebraska but the route is not approved by the Governor pursuant to section 57-1503, the pipeline carrier shall file an application with the commission and receive approval pursuant to section 57-1408 prior to beginning construction of the major oil pipeline within Nebraska. If a pipeline carrier proposes a substantive change to the route of a major oil pipeline and the pipeline carrier has submitted a route for an oil pipeline within, through, or across Nebraska but the route is not approved by the Governor pursuant to section 57-1503, the pipeline carrier shall file an application for the proposed change with the commission and receive approval pursuant to section 57-1408 prior to beginning construction relating to the proposed change. The applicant shall also file a copy of the application with the agencies listed in subsection (3) of section 57-1407.

(2) The application shall be accompanied by written agreement to pay expenses assessed pursuant to section 57-1406 and written testimony and exhibits in support of the application. The application shall include:

(a) The name and address of the pipeline carrier;

(b) A description of the nature and proposed route of the major oil pipeline and evidence of consideration of alternative routes;

(c) A statement of the reasons for the selection of the proposed route of the major oil pipeline;

(d) A list of the governing bodies of the counties and municipalities through which the proposed route of the major oil pipeline would be located;

(e) A description of the product or material to be transported through the major oil pipeline;

(f) The person who will own the major oil pipeline;

(g) The person who will manage the major oil pipeline;

(h) A plan to comply with the Oil Pipeline Reclamation Act; and

(i) A list of planned methods to minimize or mitigate the potential impacts of the major oil pipeline to land areas and connected natural resources other than with respect to oil spills.

(3) The applicant shall publish notice of the application in at least one newspaper of general circulation in each county in which the major oil pipeline is to be constructed and forward a copy of such notice to the commission. The applicant shall serve notice of the application upon the governing bodies of the counties and municipalities specified pursuant to subdivision (2)(d) of this section.