N.D. Public Service commissioner shares her thoughts on federal DAPL ruling

The North Dakota Public Service Commission was one of the agencies responsible for permitting the Dakota Access Pipeline and has been the subject of criticism throughout the course of the protests.

PSC Julie Fedorchak spoke to KFYR-TV reporter Bo Evans at the The Great Plains & EmPower ND Energy Conference in Bismarck about her thoughts on the federal ruling on the Dakota Access Pipeline.

Fedorchak said she listened to all oral arguments of the appeal hearing and wasn't sure what verdict the panel of judges would reach. She defended the permitting process the commission went through and noted there was plenty of opportunity for public input throughout the 13 months the commission evaluated the project. Now that the court has ruled she wants this issue to wrap up.

“These protests have run their course, they made their point. A lot of the issues that they're concerned about have been addressed and dealt with. And that, that these protesters should pull up their camp and move on and let law enforcement and the school children in that area and the businesses in that area and everyone in that area go back to life as normal,” said Julie Fedorchak.

Fedorchak also said she feels the permitting process has been validated by the judges ruling.