Over the objections of tribes and Lakota activists, the North Dakota Public Service Commission upheld its decision to allow the expansion of the sate's largest coal mine.

The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, the Cheyenne River Sioux and the Defenders of the Black Hills said the expansion would destroy 1,700 burial grounds and sacred sites. But the three-member commission said the plan includes sufficient protections to deal with any remains or artifacts uncovered.

The Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation of North Dakota supports the project.

Get the Story:
Regulators affirm decision to allow coal mine expansion (AP 7/7)

Relevant Links:
Defenders of the Black Hills - http://www.defendblackhills.org/defenders

Related Stories:
Tribes, Lakota activists oppose mine expansion (06/10)