The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission voted to allow the certification for the Keystone XL oil pipeline to continue.
Trans Canada did not start construction with in four years of the original permit approval, so needed to re-certify the pipeline route. Opponents had said that with the denial of a Presidential permit, the certification should be allowed to expire.
Commissioner Kristie Fiegen says she believes the requirements have been met….

Commissioner Gary Hanson says they had an extensive public process to detail the facts of the certification…..

Commission Chairman Chris Nelson says he was guided by the facts in the case, and state law, and says a change in Washington may change the facts on the ground….https://soundcloud.com/wnax-radio/chris-nelson-105aa

The vote was three to zero. The pipeline would cross western South Dakota from North Dakota to north central Nebraska.