Dakota Access Pipeline Construction Halted
More stories from Andy Jung
Protestors fighting against the Dakota Access Pipeline
After months of stand-off between The Standing Rock Sioux and the Dakota Access Pipeline, President Obama has ordered the Department of the Army to halt the construction of the pipeline.
The Army Corps denied DAPL’s final easement to construct beneath Lake Oahe and announced to conduct an Environmental Impact Statement reexamine the situation and develop alternate routes. That being said, the construction is due to continue once a new route is established.
This stands as one of the most significant victories of the people of the Sioux Nation and their allies. The news of the temporary halt was announced just as about 2,000 army veterans were scheduled to arrive in Standing Rock in support of the water protectors.
The Sioux Nation deserves to celebrate their victory, but the fight continues. As Donald Trump succeeds President Obama in January, the resolution of the pipeline controversy remains unclear. Trump has announced his support of the Dakota Access Pipeline and poses a threat to the water protectors once he assumes office.
The proposed construction of the pipeline stretches from North Dakota to Illinois, passing through South Dakota and Iowa. The looming possibility of an oil spill threatens not only the water supply, but the entire ecosystem that revolves around the body of water.