The Alabama Public Service Commission has approved an application by Plains Mobile Pipeline for a 2.2-mile oil pipeline in Mobile County.
The commission voted unanimously Tuesday for a certificate of industrial development.
The commission's chief administrative law judge, John Garner, said the commissioners have limited authority because the project is part of an interstate pipeline, and the commissioners' only determination is whether the $14.4 million project will further industrial development. The commissioners agreed it will.
The commission held a hearing on the pipeline Oct. 30 in Mobile before taking the vote Tuesday in Montgomery. At that hearing, some people expressed concerns about possible environmental impacts.
Commissioner Jeremy Oden said Tuesday state law does not give the commission authority over environmental, public health or eminent domain issues involving the 36-inch pipeline.
