We didn’t stand with Standing Rock. Standing Rock stood with us.
The Obama Administration finally ceased construction on the Dakota Access Pipeline on Sunday (Dec. 4). Following this long awaited decision, the U.S. Army Corps will consort with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and conduct an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) “to examine the impacts of the planned pipeline and explore alternate routes for the project,” reports Sierra Club, “the nation’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization.”
The U.S. Army issued an official announcement, stating Assistant Secretary Jo-Ellen Darcy’s delay on the easement was to converse with the Standing Rock Tribe, the inhabitants of a reservation less than a mile away from the proposed pipeline crossing. For months, members of the tribe have vocalized “repeated concerns over the risk that a pipeline rupture or spill could pose to its water supply and treaty rights.”
“Although we have had continuing discussion and exchanges of new information with the Standing Rock Sioux and Dakota Access, it’s clear that there’s more work to do,” said Darcy. “The best way to complete that work responsibly and expeditiously is to explore alternate routes for the pipeline crossing.”
Members of the Sioux Tribe and their supporters have camped out, peacefully protesting for months. Their concern was the construction or possible rupture of the pipeline could contaminate their water supply, Lake Oahe. CNN reports there were “celebrations, tears of joy, chanting and drumming” as the news was announced Sunday.
While the decision is a major victory for the people of Standing Rock, their supporters, and the almost ethnically-cleansed Native Americans from Canada to Argentina, there is still pause for consternation: (you know, a sudden amazing or dreadful moment that results in utter confusion – just think about the recent presidential election if you need further clarification). As a result, the lead organizer for the Indigenous Environmental Network released a statement, saying, “We are asking our supporters to keep up the pressure because while President Obama has granted us a victory today, that victory isn’t guaranteed in the next administration. More threats are likely in the year to come, and we cannot stop until this pipeline is completely and utterly defeated, and our water and climate are safe.”
In the meantime, those against the Dakota Pipeline decision after taking after America’s new leader, and tweeting through the pain.
This is big-government decision-making at its worst. I look forward to putting this anti-energy presidency behind us. https://t.co/Qu0nFTmGZv
