Army Corps of Engineers Denies Critical Permit for Dakota Access Pipeline

Posted at https://twitter.com/billmckibben

Great news! After months of peaceful protests by Standing Rock Sioux and supporters, the Army Corps of Engineers has denied the permit for a critical piece of the Dakota Access Pipeline. They have rejected the oil companies’ plans to drill the pipeline crossing under Lake Oahe, where it would have threatened the water and sacred lands of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe.

We join David Archambault II, leader of the Standing Rock Sioux, in commending President Obama, the Dept. of Justice, the Army Corps, and the Dept. of the Interior for taking action to do the right thing. Go to https://twitter.com/billmckibben/status/805523441256374274/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw to read his full statement.

This has been a long fight. People from all over the world have gone to stand with the protesters at Standing Rock as they’ve faced tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons. Thousands more have written letters, signed petitions, held vigils and expressed solidarity. While the struggle has not been easy, it raised national awareness of environmental injustice and the exploitation of Native Peoples and lands.

This is a victory for the Standing Rock Sioux, for Native Peoples, and for the climate movement. We have shown that dirty energy has a very real human cost, and that we can mobilize and work together to stop it.

While this development is certainly cause for celebration, we must continue to push to make sure this decision is honored under the Trump administration. Already, the corporations behind the pipeline have vowed to fight on to force the Standing Rock Sioux to accept the current route. We will stay vigilant, and keep you informed of new developments.

As part of the faith-based climate movement, we thank you for your dedication and support. In this tumultuous and uncertain political climate, the grassroots movement against environmental injustice and fossil fuels is more important than ever. Thank you for your faithful activism on behalf of Creation, we are grateful to have you with us.