ND regulators approve route for Keystone oil pipeline Eds: APNewsNow. Will be updated.

Bismarck, N.D. (AP) State regulators have agreed to allow construction of a new oil pipeline in eastern North Dakota.

The Keystone Pipeline is meant to carry crude oil from Alberta to locations in Illinois and Oklahoma. Its designers say the line will eventually transport almost 600,000 barrels of crude each day.

North Dakota's Public Service Commission voted to approve a route for the pipeline. The commission has set a number of conditions on its construction.

One requirement is the company has to pay for the commission to hire a full-time inspector to monitor construction.

Opponents of the pipeline say it could pollute local drinking water supplies, but the commissioners say the risk is tiny.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 02-21-08 1451CST | save this article / add to your favorites list