Following a lengthy hearing this week, the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission upheld the Yankton Sioux Tribe’s intervener status in opposing the recertification of the Keystone XL pipeline. Tribal Spokesperson Faith Spotted Eagle says the P-U-C is allowing the Yankton Sioux Tribe to move forward with discovery information at this Friday’s hearing.

Spotted Eagle says the Commission made their decision to allow the Yankton Sioux Tribe to move ahead following testimony by the Tribe’s Attorney.

She says the Tribe has many environmental concerns regarding the possible effects of the Keystone Pipeline XL project including it’s possible detrimental impacts on drinking water.

The P-U-C’s discovery hearing is set for this Friday with an evidentiary hearing set for May 5 through the 8th.