Prairie Public Broadcasting

Lawmaker considers pipeline authority BISMARCK, ND (Prairie Public) - A lawmaker says he's working on a bill to create a state "pipeline authority" -- to help speed up the construction of crude oil and natural gas pipelines.

Rep. Frank Wald (R-Dickinson) says it would be similar to the state's new Transmission Authority -- that helps construct power lines.

This comes amid reports that North Dakota crude oil is discounted -- because the existing pipelines are full. And some state officials and lawmakers fear that oil development may be curtailed -- because there isn't enough room.

Wald says he understands those concerns.

"I think we have to look at various options to get our crude to market, so that we don't have this disount," said Wald.

Officials say one problem is a fire that knocked out a Denver refinery. They say once that refinery gets back on-line, the bottleneck may ease -- but with more production anticipated, there will be a need for more pipelines.
© Copyright 2012, Prairie Public