PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – The U.S. District Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit Court has ruled that the Dakota Access Pipeline can continue operating pending further court proceedings. Six ag groups from South Dakota and North Dakota filed the court action.

South Dakota Farm Bureau President Scott VanderWal says it’s important DAPL continue for transportation of domestic energy and so exports can flow without added expense.

The first court ruling had said DAPL couldn’t continue operating because a thorough environmental review wasn’t conducted. VanderWal says that ruling didn’t make sense because he believes all the proper environmental steps have already been taken.

VanderWal says agriculture is already under so much economic pressure with low commodity prices and the effects of the pandemic. He says it’s also a safety issue having the pipeline continue rather than having that fuel shipped via truck or rail.

All parties in the case before the Appeals Court have until the end of September to file briefs in the case.