Standing Rock Leader Says He'll Be 'Forever Grateful' To Obama
CANNON BALL, N.D. (AP) — The leader of the Standing Rock Sioux says the tribe "will be forever grateful to the Obama administration" for the Army Corps of Engineers' decision to refuse to allow the construction of a pipeline under a North Dakota reservoir.
Chairman Dave Archambault says he hopes Dakota Access pipeline developer, Energy Transfer Partners, and the incoming Trump administration will respect that decision.
The Corps denied an easement for construction of the section of the pipeline Sunday. Assistant Secretary for Civil Works Jo-Ellen Darcy said the company must consider alternative routes.
The tribe believes the pipeline threatens drinking water and cultural sites. Archambault says the Corps' decision "took tremendous courage."
ETP says the decision was politically motivated. The company continues to seek permission for the crossing from a federal judge.
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