Keystone XL opponents weigh appeal to South Dakota Supreme Court

Keystone XL opponents weigh appeal to South Dakota Supreme Court
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) – Opponents of the Keystone XL oil pipeline may appeal a South Dakota judge’s decision upholding state regulators’ authorization of the project where it crosses the state.
Two groups said Friday they are weighing whether to raise the issue to the state Supreme Court. A judge last month affirmed a Public Utilities Commission decision that was challenged by Native Americans, landowners, and others.
Robin Martinez, an attorney for conservation and family agriculture group Dakota Rural Action, called the judge’s decision a “disappointment.”
Terry Cunha, a spokesman for pipeline developer TransCanada Corp., praised the decision, saying the project offers substantial economic benefits.
Judge John Brown wrote that the issues opponents raised have been adequately addressed by the commission or aren’t appropriate to be addressed in the case.
Opponents point out that electronic warning systems for detecting leaks and spills have failed multiple times in the past and no adequate assurance can be given that the pipeline won’t have adverse effects on local ecosystems.