Start Reading Up -- TransCanada Pipeline Testimony Online

As you landowners get ready for the long drive to Pierre for the PUC hearings in December, here's some reading to occupy your lonely hours on the road. The PUC isn't bringing the meeting any closer to the affected parties, but at least they are posting the prefiled testimony online. You can bet TransCanada's lawyers and spin doctors are combing through your testimony and preparing their responses; take time to do the same to their testimony.

A sample from landowner testimony:

It's ironic, that 20 years ago almost to the day and month. I was protecting and fighting for my land. The Super Conducting Super Collider was to be located near my farm. But, thanks to Texas -- the project went there. Eminent domain was going to be implemented. Fair market for land was $175.00 at that time.

Now, 20 years later we are facing the same nightmare. We are being offered fair market value on this land at $2500. Or more. This is an example ofwhat happened to land prices in 20 years. Where will the land price be in another 20 years? My land is not for Sale.

This pipeline affects more than just my wife and me. We have children and grandchildren. I work closely with my brother-in law and his family. My parents help when they can. We all work together. We work hard.

As the proposed pipeline would enter my land it crosses native grass, farm ground, a wetland, native grass and ends up going thru a wetland and a waterway. The pipeline is within a 1/4 mile of our farm. We plan to expand our cattle lots. Our children plan to return to the area. With their return we will need to diversify. Possible plans include new farmsteads with confinement cattle lots. The proposed pipeline could jeopardize future expansion plans. [direct testimony of Michael Sibson, Howard, SD, 2007.10.31]

This letter comes from no raving enemy of progress. This is a proud farmer, dedicated to his farm and his family. He wants to ensure that future generations have all the options they need to provide for themselves and thrive in South Dakota, rather than letting our state become a mere empty space across which big corporations can transport their wares as cheaply as possible.

It's Sibson's land. It's South Dakota's land. Let's keep it in our hands so we can control our own destiny.