PIERRE, SD (KELO-AM) Governor Dennis Daugaard is applauding the Trump Administration's green light on the Keystone XL Pipeline, but also waving an olive branch at potential protesters.
"I recognize that some South Dakotans will not celebrate this news, and I respect that perspective. I hope we will all seek to exercise our First Amendment rights peacefully, and respect the right of others to do likewise.” says Daugaard in a statement released soon after the Administration issued the permit to allow pipeline construction.
Keystone XL will bisect South Dakota west of the Missouri River. The state's Indian tribes and some environmental groups strongly oppose it. Protests are expected when construction starts. Protests, sometimes violent, against the Dakota Access Pipeline, near where it crosses the Missouri River in North Dakota, went on for many months, drawing world wide attention.
South Dakota U.S. Senator John Thune and U.S. Representative Kristi Noem quickly released statements praising President Trump's decision.
"“After delaying the common-sense, shovel-ready Keystone XL pipeline for eight years, the Obama administration put politics ahead of job creation and energy development,” says Thune. “I’m glad President Trump took quick action to approve this critical infrastructure project.
Noem says the new pipeline will mean more energy to improve the national security and the national economy.
"Not only does the Keystone XL Pipeline offer these large-scale benefits for our country, its construction will translate into added revenue for cash-strapped South Dakota counties, relief on our roads and rails, and job opportunities for folks across our state."