After a year and a half of hearings, motions, and filings, the state Public Utilities Commission is taking testimony on whether to authorize TransCanada to build the Keystone XL pipeline across South Dakota. Both opponents and proponents have been outlining their cases in the seven-day hearing before the PUC.
The hearing is to determine if TransCanada can still meet the conditions set when the PUC gave the company its 2010 permit to build. Supporters argue that the pipeline will create construction jobs and boost tax collections in South Dakota. Opponents are concerned the pipeline could contaminate water supplies and contribute to pollution.
SDPB’s Victoria Wicks is covering the hearing in Pierre and joined Dakota Midday for an update.