Indigenous Environmental Network Responds to Judge's decision re Dakota Access Pipeline

The Indigenous Environmental Network Responds to Judge’s Decision To Keep The Dakota Access Pipeline Operational While Under Review

Bemidji, MN - On October 11th, U.S. District Judge James Boasberg ruled that the Dakota Access Pipeline will continue to operate while a new environmental impact review is underway. In June, Boasberg ruled that the review by the Army Corps of Engineers was insufficient therefore a new review was ordered.

This decision comes just a week after Energy Transfer Partners wired the state of North Dakota 15 million dollars for law enforcement expenses used during the anti-DAPL movement in Standing Rock.

The following is a statement from Joye Braun, an organizer at the Indigenous Environmental Network:

“Whether Judge Boasberg knows it or not, he is continuing a shameful legacy of putting aside the inherent right of Indigenous People to have a say in our own territories for profit. Just last week, Energy Transfer Partners gave the state $15 million dollars and now he is allowing a pipeline that violated regulations and needs review to continue to operate. He is siding with the corporation and not with what is just. This decision is a clear demonstration of the ineffectiveness and corruption in our systems of justice. While this decision creates more challenges for the movement, we will continue to stand up for the protection of the water and for the lives of millions of Americans.”

The following is a statement from Kandi Mossett, the Native Energy and Climate Campaign Organizer at the Indigenous Environmental Network:

"Judge James Boasberg has been bought out by Energy Transfer Partners and his ludicrous ruling to allow the Dakota Access Pipeline to continue to operate WHILE the environmental review is being done reflects this; especially in light of the fact that there have already been three leaks. His decision actually makes the environmental review process a bureaucratic formality and it must be challenged so as not to set a dangerous precedent for the future.”

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This is from a press release issued by the Indigenous Environmental Network 10-13-17 www.ienearth.org