This is the third of three articles featuring Senator Jon Tester's perspective on issues related to Eastern Montana.
Senator Jon Tester held his monthly press conference and addressed a variety of regional issues. Of particular interest to the region is the Keystone XL pipeline. On September 27, 2011 the US State Department held a hearing in Glendive, Montana about the potential pipeline. Senator Tester was the only member of the Montana congressional delegation who did not either attend or issue a statement regarding their position on the pipeline that day.
In the audio to the left of this column, Senator Tester responded to questions from the Glendive Ranger Review's Eric Killelea and the Sidney Herald's Bill Vander Weele requesting he clarify his position on the pipeline.
Terry Cunha, spokesperson for TransCanada responded to some of the senator's concern. He said “The pipe issue has been resolved. We will build Keystone XL with pipe that is 0.465 thick. Also, the pipe utilized at the Yellowstone River crossing will be heavy wall pipe, almost three quarters of an inch thick (0.748”). For your clarity, there is no “low consequence area”. PHMSA’s (Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration) regulations (plus the 57 conditions) already provide for extensive pipeline safety measures in all areas.”
If you have questions or comments for senator tester you can reach him through his website at http://tester.senate.gov.
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