Above Photo: The All-Nite Images / Flickr
Both North Dakota senators have issued statements that they have been told by the Department of Defense that the Army Corps of Engineers will announce they have approved the easement needed to complete the DAPL pipeline.
Watch Video Statement Here
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Kevin Cramer issued this statement following the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers notifying Congress today it will be granting the easement for the Dakota Access Pipeline to cross beneath Lake Oahe. This is the last approval needed to complete construction of the project, and follows President Trump’s Jan. 24 memorandum to the Secretary of the Army, directing that all federal agency reviews and approvals be expedited to complete the remaining portions of the pipeline.
“I have received word the Department of Defense is granting the easement for the Dakota Access Pipeline and Congressional notification is imminent. It’s time to get to work and finish this important piece of energy infrastructure enhancing America’s energy security and putting North Dakotans and Americans back to work. President Trump has proven to be a man of action and I am grateful for his commitment to this and other critical infrastructure projects so vital to our nation.”
WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven issued the following statement after speaking today with Vice President Pence and Acting Secretary of the Army Robert Speer:
“Today, the Acting Secretary of the Army Robert Speer informed us that he has directed the Army Corps of Engineers to proceed with the easement needed to complete the Dakota Access Pipeline. This will enable the company to complete the project, which can and will be built with the necessary safety features to protect the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and others downstream.
“Building new energy infrastructure with the latest safeguards and technology is the safest and most environmentally sound way to move energy from where it is produced to where people need it.
“We are also working with the Corps, the Department of Justice, the Department of Interior and the Department of Homeland Security to secure additional federal law enforcement resources to support state and local law enforcement. On Sunday, 20 additional Bureau of Indian Affairs law enforcement officers arrived at Standing Rock to assist local authorities. Also, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Council has asked the protesters to leave the campsite on Corps land.
“This has been a difficult issue for all involved, particularly those who live and work in the area of the protest site, and we need to bring it to a peaceful resolution.”