by Kendall Barker, staff writer
In North Dakota near Standing Rock preserve Dakota Access, LLC, an energy transfer company, was planning on developing an oil pipeline until it became aware of the impact this construction would have on the environment and the people around it.
The company had the intention to build this pipeline through the sacred burial sites in Standing Rock preserve and interfere with the water supply, The Missouri River, of the Native Americans.
Even though the website of LLC says, “in many instances we exceed government safety standards to ensure a long-term, safe and reliable pipeline,” claims have been made that they refuse to build these pipelines in suburban area in case of a gas leak. In other words, LLC believes it is a better idea to endanger the lives of Native Americans instead of suburban neighborhoods.
Obviously, this proposal upsets not only the Native Americans, but environmental activists everywhere, resulting in crowds protesting along the preserve. These protests have become well known due to the violence towards Native Americans, whether it’s pepper spraying their faces or jetting out tear gas and water in below freezing temperatures.
Many American veterans have sided with the Native Americans and apologized for the constant oppression against their people.
After a long wait of protesting, the proposal for the pipeline was vetoed by President Obama, just as he did for the Keystone XL pipeline which also was planned to go through a preserve.
The fight of the North Dakota pipeline is not over for the Native Americans. Due to the election results many Republicans believe President Donald Trump will quickly overturn President Obama’s veto along with other oil lines.
During a Sunday football game between Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears two protesters dangled a banner from the ceiling encouraging Minneapolis-based U.S. Bank to divest from the $3.8 billion pipeline crossing four states. The two protesters were arrested as have many other protesters even celebrity Shailene Woodley.
Hopefully, the new President elect Donald Trump will reconsider his views on the pipeline and secure the land for the Native Americans instead of the LLC