The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission has granted intervener status to 43 groups with an interest in the recertification process for the Keystone XL pipeline. Dakota Rural Action Chairman Paul Seamans who ranches in Jones County is one of those interveners. He says the P-U-C will eventually take testimony from both interveners and the general public at a future hearing.
Seamans says his main objection to the project is related to environmental concerns.
BOLD Nebraska’s Jane Kleeb says the reason some Nebraskans were granted intervener status in the South Dakota recertification process is because the South Dakota P-U-C went with a broad definition of those allowed to be involved with the process.
Faith Spotted Eagle of Yankton says another reason for the P-U-C decision is related to tribal treaty rights. She says no borders come into play when it comes to the flow of water.