The Rosebud Sioux Tribe Utilities Commission heard from politicians and activists this week at its two-day hearing on the Keystone XL pipeline. The gathering was held at Saint Francis. TC Energy (formerly TransCanada) was notified of the hearing but did not send a representative.
Commissioners heard from leaders of several tribes, as well as State Senator Red Dawn Foster and State Representative Shawn Bordeaux.
Bordeaux says tribes have not been consulted because government officials don't believe the pipeline crosses tribal land. But he says the tribe does own land in the proposed path.
"We have 130,000 plus acres in Tripp, Gregory, and Lyman Counties on the eastern side of the reservation," Bordeaux said. "You know, the state saying that this doesn't affect the tribe is a slap in our face, and it shows the education that must take place with all the offices from the county and city, all the way up to the governor."
Bordeaux says he's preparing legislation to address the pipeline, and he asked people at the hearing to go to Pierre during the 2020 session to lend support.
The Rosebud Sioux Tribe Utilities Commission is taking public comment until June 28 at 5 p.m. Central Time. Anyone wishing to comment may do so in writing.
