North Dakota Regulators Approve Request to Postpone Hearing

North Dakota regulators approve Energy Transfer Partners request to postpone a public hearing concerning the Dakota Access pipeline construction project.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota regulators have granted a request by the developer of the Dakota Access pipeline to postpone a public hearing on whether the company violated state rules — but not without dissent.

The Public Service Commission is looking into whether Energy Transfer Partners removed too many trees and improperly handled some soil during construction of the $3.8 billion pipeline to move North Dakota oil east.

Thursday’s hearing was to provide information for the commission to decide whether to pursue the case and possibly fine the Texas-based company.

ETP on Monday asked for a delay to give attorneys on both sides more time to discuss a resolution.

The commission on Tuesday voted 2-1 to approve. Commissioner Julie Fedorchak dissented, saying she thinks a delay is unwarranted because a hearing wouldn’t stop attorneys from talking.