Feds approve expansion of North Dakota natural gas pipeline The Associated PressJune 4, 2021Business Feds approve expansion of North Dakota natural gas pipeline BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Federal regulators have approved a natural gas pipeline in western North Dakota, a move state officials believe will help curb the wasteful flaring of excess gas and increase state tax revenues by millions of dollars annually by allowing more oil drilling in the area. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission officials this week approved a certificate of public convenience and necessity for WBI Energy Inc.’s North Bakken Expansion project. The company, a subsidiary of Bismarck-based MDU Resources Group Inc. said the expansion would add 250 million cubic feet of natural gas per day to a pipeline network.