GAIN Applauds the Illinois Commerce Commission for DAPL Optimization Approval
Today, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) by unanimous vote delivered the final approval allowing for the increased capacity and optimization of the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL). Since coming online over 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 Dakota Access Optimization proposal includes the construction of three new pump stations – one in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Illinois – and modification to an existing facility in Iowa, but requires no new pipeline construction along the route. With today’s ICC decision, the project can move forward.
Below is a statement that can be attributed to me, Craig Stevens, spokesman for the GAIN Coalition:
“The GAIN Coalition applauds the Illinois Commerce Commission for approving the optimization of the Dakota Access Pipeline. DAPL has been key to safely delivering American-produced crude oil throughout the Midwest for more than three years, and today’s decision will secure its role as a centerpiece to American energy for many years to come.
“For Illinoisans, Dakota Access Optimization is an important project that will support the state’s Patoka Oil Terminal and the many highly-skilled jobs required to distribute energy resources across the region. During a trend of excessively litigating energy infrastructure projects, it is refreshing to witness regulators insulate themselves from politicization.”