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Keystone XL Pipeline Public Meetings

 

This page has been set up to share information the State Department has provided on two proposed public meetings it is holding in Nebraska as part of its review of the TransCanada Corporations permit application to construct the Keystone XL pipeline across the U.S. Canadian border. The public meetings are on September 27th in Lincoln and September 29th in Atkinson.

NETV plans to provide live streaming over the Internet of the Nebraska hearings at this link: http://www.netnebraska.org/television/stream/. You can also stream audio of the Atkinson meeting at http://www.radiop1.com/mediacenter.aspx?stationid=73& on Thursday September 29, 2011.

According to the State Department, computers, video cameras, cell phones, smart phones and blackberries are allowed in the hearing. They will ask that cell phones be turned off or placed on mute during the hearing.

Following are details from the State Department.

State Department public meetings in Nebraska

Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Pershing Center
226 Centennial Mall South
Lincoln, Nebraska 68508 (map it)
12:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.; 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Thursday, September 29, 2011
West Holt High School
1000 North Main Street
Atkinson, Nebraska 68713 (map it)
4:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

What the meeting is for:

  • The Keystone XL project is a proposed 1,700-mile oil pipeline from Alberta, Canada to the U.S. Gulf Coast. In its effort to consider public views, the State Department is holding a series of meetings to provide the public an opportunity to express views on the project.
  • State Department officials will not answer questions or engage in a discussion of the project at the meeting. The purpose is to hear and accept views from the public.

Speakers:

  • The event is open to the public.
  • Persons who want to speak at the meeting will need to sign up in person at the entrance of the meeting venue and be given a number.
  • The order of speakers will be determined on a first-come, first-served basis, according to the sign-up sheet.
  • Those wishing to speak must be present when their name or number is called.

Comments:

  • Remarks made at the hearing will be recorded, transcribed, and entered into the administrative record for the State Department’s consideration o f the proposed Keystone XL pipeline. 
  • Each speaker will be allowed 3-5 minutes to make remarks, depending on the number who sign up to speak.
  • Speakers will be asked to state their name and any organization with which they are affiliated.
  • If time does not allow all who wish to speak, the State Department encourages individuals to submit their comments on the national interest determination in written form. Comment cards will be distributed. A State Department official will available to accept written comments, and a summary of all comments will be incorporated in the record of decision for the proposed Keystone XL pipeline. 
  • The Department will also accept written comments on the national interest determination beginning on the date the final Environmental Impact Statement is issued. 
  • All comments must be submitted by midnight on October 9, 2011.

Protocol:

  • The meetings will be chaired by a senior official from the U.S. Department of State. 
  • At the beginning of the meeting, the presiding officer will explain the status of the application for the permit and the Department’s process for making a decision on the Permit, but will not answer questions. 
  • The presiding officer or an assistant will announce the name of each speaker from the sign-up list.
  • Attendees are asked to respect the meeting procedure in order to ensure a constructive information gathering session.
  • No signs or banners will be allowed inside the meeting venue. 
  • For further information please visit: www.keystonepipeline-xl.state.gov or call 1-866-644-6910 for recorded information.
  • Comments can be submitted by the following methods: 
  • www.keystonepipeline-xl.state.gov; email at keystonexl-nid@cardno.com; fax at 206-269-0098; or mailed to the following address:

Alexander Yuan
Keystone XL EIS Project
P.O. Box 96503-98500
Washington, DC 20090-6503

As noted above, in order for comments to be considered they must be submitted by midnight on October 9, 2011.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Please contact Wendy Nassmacher at 202-647-6664 or via email at NassmacherWL@state.gov