GAIN Applauds Iowa Utilities Board for DAPL Optimization Approval
Today, the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) approved a proposal to allow for increased capacity and optimization of the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL). Since coming online nearly three years ago, DAPL has safely transported as much as 570,000 barrels of oil per day (BPD) from the Bakken region to the Patoka Oil Terminal in Patoka, IL. The optimization project will allow for capacity to increase to 1.1 million BPD.
The proposal by Dakota Access includes construction of three pump stations – one in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Illinois – and modifications to an existing facility in Iowa, requiring no new pipeline construction. In its approval, the IUB determined “the increased capacity will not have a significant effect on the safety of the pipeline.” With today’s decision, DAPL Optimization has received approval from three of the four states needed (North Dakota, South Dakota, and Iowa). The project is still awaiting a decision from Illinois regulators.
Below is a statement that can be attributed to me, Craig Stevens, spokesman for the GAIN Coalition:
“The GAIN Coalition applauds the Iowa Utilities Board for approving the optimization of the Dakota Access Pipeline in Iowa. With today’s decision, DAPL Optimization is one step closer to allowing more American-produced crude oil to move to market and meet our country’s growing energy needs. The project will support high-skilled jobs and ensure the safe transportation of American oil. Pipelines like Dakota Access are some of the most heavily regulated, technologically advanced, and monitored infrastructure projects in the country.”
