GAIN Statement on Illinois Court Decision Vacating DAPL Capacity Expansion

An Illinois appellate court today vacated approval given by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) allowing the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) to nearly double its transport capacity. In 2020 the ICC approved the addition of pump stations that would boost the pipeline’s capacity from 570,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil to 1.1 million bpd. That decision came after a public comment period and additional study from the Commission.  

Below is a statement that can be attributed to me, Craig Stevens, spokesman for the GAIN Coalition:

“The GAIN Coalition is disappointed with today’s ruling to limit the capacity of the Dakota Access Pipeline as, once again, an activist court has attempted to impose its political will in a straightforward regulatory matter. DAPL’s developer, Energy Transfer, followed all necessary permitting measures with state and local regulators along the line’s route in North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Illinois – all of which ultimately granted approval for the increased capacity.  

“When court’s act to quash regulators’ mindful decisions, it undermines their authority and risks private investment as regulatory certitude is imperiled. DAPL has safely transported crude oil from North Dakota to the Midwest for more than 4.5 years, playing a critical role in our nation’s economy, energy security, and national security. We are confident the DAPL will ultimately achieve its needed approval for increased capacity.”

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