STANDING ROCK – President Donald Trump’s approval of the Dakota Access Pipeline has been shot down in an American court.
A 91-page decision made by Judge James Boasberg was read to the court stating, in part, “the Court agrees that (the corps) did not adequately consider the impact of an oil spill on fishing rights, hunting rights, or environmental justice, or the degree to which the pipeline’s effects are likely to be highly controversial.”
The court ordered more talks and negotiations to reconsider the concerns of the Tribe before a final decision can be made that would either shot down the pipeline, reroute the path of the pipeline or let it proceed. But for now, the project is stalled.
Standing Rock Sioux Chairman David Archambault II, released a statement saying, “This is a major victory for the Tribe and we commend the courts for upholding the law and doing the right thing. The previous administration painstakingly considered the impacts of this pipeline, and President Trump hastily dismissed these carefully environmental considerations in favour of political influence and will ask the Court to shut down pipeline operations immediately.”
Opposition to the pipeline attracted hundreds of Native Americans including Nations in Canada, environmentalists and celebrities who came and brought national attention to their concerns.
According to a report published by Daily Native Americans, the law firm of Earthjustice filed a lawsuit challenging the U.S. Corps of Engineers for issuing a permit for the pipeline construction in violation to several environmental laws.
“This decision marks an important turning point,” says Earthjustice lawyer Jan Hasselman. “Until now, the rights of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe have been disregarded by the builders of the Dakota Access Pipeline and the Trump administration—prompting a well deserved global outcry.
“The federal Courts have stepped in where our political systems have failed to protect the rights of Native communities,” he adds.
Right on! Time will tell if the USA ever honors it treaties with our people. Perhaps this is a start