Opposing sides face off at Keystone XL pipeline hearing

PIERRE (AP) — Opposing sides in the debate over the Keystone XL oil pipeline faced off on Monday in front of the state regulatory panel that is considering for the second time in just over five years whether to approve the construction of the South Dakota portion of the long-delayed project.

TransCanada Corp. and other interested parties offered opening statements and witness testimony began before the Public Utilities Commission in the hearing process that is scheduled to stretch until Aug. 4. The state initially authorized TransCanada's project in 2010, but permits must be revisited if construction doesn't start within four years. The commission is now considering the firm's guarantee that it can complete the project while meeting the conditions of the 2010 approval.

http://www.mitchellrepublic.com/news/nation/3806318-opposing-sides-face-keystone-xl-pipeline-hearing