SD Regulators Begin Work On Oil Pipeline Permit

By CHET BROKAW

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota utilities regulators have started the formal process of considering TransCanada Keystone Pipeline's application to build a second crude oil pipeline through the state.

TransCanada already is building a pipeline through eastern South Dakota. The proposed Keystone XL pipeline is designed to run 313 miles through western South Dakota as part of a project to deliver Alberta tar sands crude oil to Gulf Coast terminals and refineries in Texas.

The state Public Utilities Commission on Tuesday allowed its staff to hire consultants to help evaluate the project. The three-member commission also assessed a filing fee not to exceed $660,700 on TransCanada Keystone to help cover the cost of the case. ...