Scattered throughout the bright red bleachers of Dawson Community College Tuesday evening were hundreds of folks wondering what a state hearing on the proposed TransCanada Keystone XL pipeline project would bring. Five and a half hours and a sunset later, they had their answer as, one at a time, those that wanted to give testimony were given their three minutes.
Click on map at right to see larger image of the project.
Right now the U.S. State Department is taking public comment on the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed pipeline that was published at the end of August (READ IT HERE). This EIS walks through every angle of putting in a reportedly $13 billion pipeline system over 1,661 miles to bring crude oil direct from Alberta to Texas. A comment period on the EIS is currently open (COMMENT HERE) and will close on October 9. A decision on the TransCanada Keystone XL pipeline is slated to be issued in December.
Northern Ag Network was at Tuesday’s hearing and spoke with a number of folks opposed to and in favor of the project.
Richard Dunbar is a Phillips County Commissioner and says that the pipeline will mean big money for our rural electric companies.It was the general feeling after the meeting had concluded that there were roughly three people speaking in favor of the pipeline for every one person speaking against it. Arguments from opponents included testimony that there wouldn’t really be that many jobs created, the jobs would only be temporary, TransCanada has a bad record for oil spills and the U.S. should concentrate more on developing our own oil.
Eminent domain, land restoration and oil leaks are discussed in the following video update:
Glendive’s meeting was one of nine that will be conducted with the final meeting headquartered in Washington, D.C. The Best Western Ramkota in Pierre, SD will play host to a meeting Thursday, September 29 from noon to 8 p.m.
© Northern Ag Network 2011
Haylie Shipp
