PSC denies request to delay hearing on pipeline for farmers
Janell Cole, Forum Communications Co.
Published Saturday, September 01, 2007
http://www.in-forum.com/News/articles/176882
BISMARCK – The Public Service Commission has denied a request by Keystone pipeline opponents to delay next week’s hearing on its proposed route.
The commission voted Friday during an emergency meeting to go ahead with Wednesday’s hearing, which Commissioner Kevin Cramer expects to continue into Thursday.
The opponents – farmers along the route – sought a delay of three to four weeks because they have not been able to finish harvest.
“Due to the untimely rains and unsuitable drying weather, we have not been able to finish our crops,” they wrote.
The request is signed by Janie and John Clapp, Mark Novak, Merle Kratochvil and Linette Kratochvil, all of Lankin.
The hearing is already a continuation of two days of hearings in July. Opponents and others testified at those hearings in Valley City and Park River. The company has not yet testified.
Cramer and Commissioner Tony Clark said next week’s hearing can’t be delayed because the commission, by law, must issue an order approving or denying the pipeline route by the first week of October.
They also said opponents have already testified at the earlier hearings and are represented by a lawyer who can cross-examine company witnesses or other witnesses on their behalf if they can’t attend.
If approved, the TransCanada Keystone Pipeline is to run north-to-south through the eastern part of the state, entering near Walhalla and exiting near Oakes. It would move Canadian tar sand crude oil to refineries in Illinois.
Cole works for Forum Communications Co., which owns The Forum. She can be reached at (701) 224-0830 or forumcap@btinet.net
