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Keystone Pipeline gets first ND permit BISMARCK, ND (Prairie Public) - The proposed Keystone pipeline project has cleared another hurdle.

The North Dakota Public Service Commission has granted the TransCanada pipeline company a certificate of public convenience and necessity. That means the PSC has determined that the proposed pipeline -- which will carry Canadian crude through eastern North Dakota -- would be in the public interest, and the company would have the financial means of building it.

One of the arguments for the pipeline is to reduce US dependence on overseas oil.

"When you look at where this country gets its crude oil from, in large part, it's from some very scary neighborhhods in the world," said Commissioner Tony Clark.

Commissioner Kevin Cramer agreed.

"The growing demand for petroleum products is a reality," said Cramer. "This is a much safer and friendlier supply."

The PSC holds a hearing Nov. 27thon the route of the pipeline. That hearing will address Fargo's concerns about water quality. The commission still has to give the route an okay before the pipeline can be built.

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