Author: Jordan Blum • 04 Nov 2020 | 23:47 UTC Houston
Houston — Energy Transfer executives said Nov. 4 they still plan to expand the controversial Dakota Access crude pipeline in 2021 — the same day that plaintiffs argued in a federal appeals court for shuttering the 570,000 b/d pipeline entirely.
The Dallas pipeline operator is focusing on expanding the Bakken Shale’s largest crude artery to about 750,000 b/d — and then consider additional capacity growth — by the end of September 2021. But the bullish growth plans for the three-year-old pipeline coincide with a legal fight simultaneously progressing in two federal courts. The US Court of Appeals for District of Columbia Circuit held a hearing for oral arguments on Nov. 4, while the US District Court for DC has deadlines for legal arguments and responses through Dec. 18. MORE>>