The Iowa Utilities Board could be nearing a decision on the Bakken oil pipeline. The three-member board is meeting this week to discuss whether to approve a permit for the project.

Texas-based Dakota Access wants to build the pipeline from North Dakota to Illinois, and it would cut through 19 counties here in Iowa.

The Utilities Board is reviewing a range of concerns, from environmental to economic.

"Dakota Access says that pipelines have a better safety record than other methods of crude oil," said Cecil Wright, the board's attorney. "Sierra Club points out that in 2013, more than 800,000 gallons were spilled from railroad cars. but over 5 million hazardous liquids were spilled from pipelines."

Iowa is the only state that has not yet approved a permit for the pipeline.

The board also must determine whether the company may forcefully obtain easements from unwilling landowners.

The company says it's reached agreements with 78 percent of affected Iowa landowners.