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SD PUC Delays Hearing On Keystone XL Pipeline Construction

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — The state Public Utilities Commission has voted to postpone a key hearing on whether to allow construction of the long-delayed Keystone XL pipeline through South Dakota.

The commission voted 3-0 Monday to delay the hearing, which was supposed to begin next week.

For the project to move forward, regulators must agree that conditions for construction of the pipeline haven’t changed since its initial 2010 authorization.

The pipeline would transport oil from Canadian tar sands through South Dakota to Nebraska, where it would connect with existing pipelines headed to the Gulf Coast.

Pipeline opponents asked for the delay because they say the original schedule was too tight.

PUC Chairman Chris Nelson says commission members approved the delay to ensure adequate time for groups to examine documents involved in the case.