Dix urges lawmakers to stay out of pipeline permit process

Eight state lawmakers have sent a letter to the Iowa Utilities Board arguing that their Statehouse colleagues should refrain from requesting additional information from the board as it decides whether to grant Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners a hazardous pipeline permit to transport crude oil from North Dakota across Iowa.

The lawmakers include state Sen. Bill Dix, R-Shell Rock, whose district includes a large swath of rural Story County.