The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission actually cut Keystone XL opponents a break yesterday. The Rosebud Sioux Tribe told the PUC that TransCanada has been dragging its feet in responding to requests for information:
Rosebud Sioux lawyer Matthew Rappold said his request for access to TransCanada safety records was filed Feb. 20. TransCanada produced 34 documents on Monday afternoon.
“Three days before our testimony is due,” Rappold said.
He asked the commission how he could be expected, under those circumstances, to prepare testimony that is due Thursday.
Commissioners Chris Nelson and Gary Hanson didn’t hide their opinions that the Rosebud Sioux had been put at a disadvantage.
“I think this is a very unique position for Rosebud,” Hanson said. “I personally believe you need to have additional time” [Bob Mercer, “South Dakota Agency Gives Rosebud Sioux Time in TransCanada Pipeline Dispute,” Aberdeen American News, 2015.04.01].
The PUC gave the Rosebud Sioux Tribe eight more days to file their documents. Other intervenors requested extensions as well, but the PUC said Rosebud was the only group who documented the delays justifying more prep time. TransCanada appears not to have pushed back against Rosebud, but, as Mercer reports, TransCanada did say other intervenors have been slow or uncooperative.
Keystone XL gets its evidentiary hearing before the PUC on May 5–6.
Annually Wapo has a Peeps (Those little marshmallow birds and bunnies.) Diorama contest. Several were anti Keystone in both the adult and child categories. I loved it! Support for Keystone is as thin as hot water.