After 9 Days, Keystone XL Pipeline Hearings Finish in Pierre

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — After nine days, the state Public Utilities Commission has finished hearing from opposing sides in the debate over whether to allow the Keystone XL oil pipeline to run 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.

Opponents on Wednesday requested that commissioners immediately deny the pipeline permit. That request was dismissed by commissioners.

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.

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