The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe acts to stop construction of a crude oil pipeline that would run from North Dakota to Illinois.
DOREEN GOSMIRE
Dakotas Conference Communications
The camp on the land of the Standing Rock nation was peaceful and hopeful the day after a federal judge issued an opinion rejecting the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s efforts to stop construction of the crude oil pipeline that would run from North Dakota to Illinois.
Shortly after the judge’s decision was released, the US Army Corps of Engineers, Justice and Interior departments jointly announced they would stop, at least temporarily, pipeline work under Lake Oahe. The government agencies asked the pipeline company to voluntarily halt construction within 20 miles of Lake Oahe while the Army reconsiders the decision to proceed under the National Environmental Policy Act or other federal laws.
It was unclear if the pipeline’s developer, Energy Transfer Partners, would perform work on other sections of the pipeline or comply with the government’s request. The company has declined to comment.
The judge’s ruling and the statement from the three federal agencies have offered a glimmer of hope for the Standing Rock nation and other supporters. David Archambault II, chairman of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, was quoted in several news outlets as stating a need to continue the efforts at the camps, stand together in solidarity through possible court appeals and monitor the work of the federal agencies as promised in the joint statement. People are beginning preparations to stay in camp until January 1, 2017.
Last Updated on September 13, 2016