While the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission is in the middle of a full round of hearings about the recertification of the Keystone XL pipeline route, preparations are underway for another proposed pipeline.

PUC Chairman Chris Nelson says they are in the beginning stages of the process for the Dakota Access line…

 

That line would enter the state north of Mobridge and exit into Iowa south and east of Sioux Falls.

Nelson says they are hearing from backers and potential opponents of the line…

 

Nelson says their process will be similar to what was done for both Keystone and Keystone XL…

 

The line would deliver about a half million barrels of Bakken oil daily to a refinery in Illinois.