South Dakota Becomes First State to Approve Construction of Dakota Access Pipeline

In a 2-1 vote, the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission approved a construction permit for the Dakota Access Pipeline and construction of a 270-mile leg of the pipeline which could begin early next year.

The 1,130-mile Dakota Access Pipeline will carry oil from North Dakota through Illinois. The pipeline would cross North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Illinois.

The $3.8 billion project needs approval in all four states, and South Dakota has made the first move.

(more on South Dakota's approval for the pipeline's construction permit...)