Dallas Firm Behind Dakota Access Pipeline Sells Ownership in New Controversial Project

Dallas-based Energy Transfer Partners announced today that it's selling nearly one-third of its troubled Rover Pipeline project for $1.57 billion.Blackstone Energy Partners is buying the large stake in the $4.2 billion, 713-mile pipeline that is designed to transport gas from processing plants in West Virginia, Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania to markets across the U.S. and Canada. Initial plans were for the pipeline to be in service by November 2017.Still under construction, the Rover project has hit some stumbling blocks, including multiple spills that angered environmental regulators in Ohio and West Virginia. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission was also investigating the company's spills. The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection told workers to stop some construction over environmental issues.Vicki Granado, an ETP spokeswoman, said the sale was unrelated to the regulatory issues.  Continue reading...