The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission has finished nine days of hearings in the debate over whether to recertify the Keystone XL oil pipeline through South Dakota.

The commission is considering whether to approve for the second time in just over five years construction of the South Dakota portion of the long-delayed pipeline. The state authorized TransCanada Corporation’s project in 2010, but permits must be revisited if construction doesn’t start within four years.

Peter Capossela, an attorney representing the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe requested that the PUC deny the application…

 

Capossela says federal rules have changed since Trans Canada made their first application…

 

PUC Chairman Chris Nelson, in upholding a motion to deny the request for dismissal, told opponents they have a chance to sharpen their focus…

 

Parties involved now have until October 1st to submit post-hearing briefs supporting their arguments and until October 31st to reply to their opponents’ briefs.

The commission may rule before the end of the year.