This week was an ugly one for American shale: Several pipeline projects–both those existing and in the works–took severe hits that will have a profound effect on the shale industry going forward, the severity of which cannot be overstated. The first hit was to Energy Transfer Partners’ already in service Dakota Access Pipeline, which a federal judge ordered must be emptied and shut by August 5. So far, ETP is conducting business as usual despite the order and has promised to appeal the decision. But this significant ruling will surely disrupt the entire oil industry in the Bakken shale. North Dakota has ramped up production in recent years, and DAPL has supported this growth by carrying its light oil to market. If ETP’s appeals are unsuccessful, it could halt the flow of oil out of the Bakken in its tracks, and consequently shutter production in the area. Oil by […]