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Dakota Access Wants to Start Pipeline Construction, Lacks Permission from Army Corps of Engineers

Dakota Access map
The proposed Dakota Access pipeline would cross 18 Iowa counties.

The Iowa Utilities Board deliberated Wednesday on whether to allow Dakota Access to begin pipeline construction in areas where it does not need eminent domain or special permission from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Though board members indicated they were not opposed to Dakota Access starting construction, they worried they lacked the jurisdiction to grant permission, in light of current lawsuits pending in district court.

When it petitioned the board to build the crude pipeline in Iowa, Dakota Access agreed that it would not begin construction until it obtained all necessary permits and approvals.

Dakota Access originally anticipated having approval from the Army Corps of Engineers in January. But it’s still waiting for final permission.

The board asked IUB staff to draft an order for its consideration. If approved, the order would allow Dakota Access to start construction.