Dakota Access pipeline company fighting small state fine

The company building the four-state, $3.8 billion Dakota Access oil pipeline is fighting an effort by North Dakota regulators to fine it $15,000.

The Public Service Commission maintains that a subsidiary of Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners didn't get proper approval to proceed with construction after American Indian artifacts were found along the pipeline route in southern North Dakota in October.

The artifacts weren't disturbed.

The company continues to dispute it did anything wrong and has asked the PSC to dismiss the complaint.

Commission Chairwoman Julie Fedorchak declined comment, citing the active case.

The commission eventually will decide whether to grant the company's motion to dismiss or to schedule a hearing before an administrative law judge.