The Illinois Commerce Commission has given its approval for the Dakota Access Pipeline to expand capacity and enlarge its pumping station at the Patoka Oil Tank Farm where the pipeline ends.
The nearly 1,200 mile pipeline runs from the Bakken oil field in North Dakota. The Illinois Commerce Commission made its decision following public hearings where there was opposition.
The Vice President of State Regulatory Affairs for the Consumer Energy Alliance Brydon Ross hailed the decision as a good one for the country’s energy future and for jobs in the Marion County area.
“It reduces our alliance on foreign actors for energy needs, keeps energy prices low, and it creates jobs in Illinois. So in strong support for skilled trades who are part of our organization will be hundreds of jobs for Illinois bringing in American energy into the midwest and into the state. I think it’s a win-win for everyone in the state.”
Ross says North Dakota and Iowa have already approved the expansion.
“This is the last step to expand more capacity for the project. So right now Dakota Access is moving upwards of 570,000 barrels a day max capacity. This will allow it to expand to over a million barrels.
Ross claims the pipeline is also the most environmentally responsible way to deliver this energy. That is being challenged in court action by the Standing Rock Tribe of the Sioux Indians and others that claim the US Army Corps of Engineers did not properly review the environmental risk from the pipeline. The lawsuit seeks to shutdown the pipeline.
