The Army Corps of Engineers says it will not grant an easement to allow the Dakota Access Pipeline to cross under Lake Oahe near the Standing Rock Reservation.
US Army Assistant Secretary for Civil Works Jo-Ellen Darcy said the decision means more consultation with the Standing Rock Tribe, as well as a new look at alternative routes.
This comes as welcome news to thousands of protestors who have been camped near the Cannonball River, on Corps land. Tribal spokesperson Ken Frost brought the news.
"Each and every one of you is a part of history," Frost told protestors. "This would have never happened if each and every one of you didn't come here. And this would have never happened if the vets were not here."
Hundreds of veterans from across the country came to Standing Rock to stand with protestors.
Protestor Lonnie Hall came from Oklahoma. He was participating in a prayer circle at the protest cam when the word came.
"People were so joyful," Hall said. "They were screaming, shouting, whooping -- it was so beautiful."
Gov. Jack Dalrymple, Sen. John Hoeven and Congressman Kevin Cramer say they’re disappointed in the decision – and they say it does not follow the rule of law.
Cramer called the Obama Administration “lawless” – and said the decision is not a surprise. In an interview with NPR's Steve Inskeep, Cramer said the current route is the preferred route.
"This is an energy corridor that it's in -- that's why it was chosen," Cramer said. "There's a natural gas pipeline that already crosses the river there, and a high voltage transmission line that crosses. It's by far the least intrusive and least imposing on people, cultural resources and waterways."
"They (the Corps) can look at other routes if they want," Cramer said. "Any other route is far more imposing, obtrusive and environmentally unfriendly."
Dalrymple called the decision a “serious mistake” – which does nothing to resolve the issue. And Hoeven said this just prolongs a difficult situation.
Senator Heitkamp, meanwhile, said the decision leaves the pipeline in limbo.
All four officials encourage protestors to move off the Corps land, as the area prepares for sub-zero temperatures.
Protestors are vowing to stay.
(thanks to NPR and Don Haney of KFGO)
