Des Moines, Iowa — The three-member Iowa Utilities Board has voted unanimously to approve a construction permit for Dakota Access to build the Bakken oil pipeline across 18 Iowa counties, including Lyon, Sioux and O’Brien counties here in northwest Iowa. The board returned to open session at 1 p-m, after a couple of days of close-door deliberations, and board member Libby Jacobs of West Des Moines read a statement about the decision.
Board member Nick Wagoner of Marion then read the order recommending approval.
Board chair Geri Huser then called for a vote.
All three members voted for the construction permit. Shortly after the vote, several of the people in the audience started shouting and the board quickly adjourned.
Many landowners and environmental groups are opposed to the project, which will transport 570-thousand barrels of crude daily from North Dakota to a distribution hub in Illinois.
