The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has denied easement to the Dakota Access pipeline, effectively blocking construction of the pipeline through sacred Sioux lands.
The easement comes shortly after the arrival of nearly 2,000 veterans to stand in solidarity with Water Protectors, and one day before the Army Corps' intended eviction of the camp.
According to a post on the U.S. Army website:
The Department of the Army will not approve an easement that would allow the proposed Dakota Access Pipeline to cross under Lake Oahe in North Dakota, the Army's Assistant Secretary for Civil Works announced today.
Jo-Ellen Darcy said she based her decision on a need to explore alternate routes for the Dakota Access Pipeline crossing.
"Although we have had continuing discussion and exchanges of new information with the Standing Rock Sioux and Dakota Access, it's clear that there's more work to do," Darcy said. "The best way to complete that work responsibly and expeditiously is to explore alternate routes for the pipeline crossing."
Darcy said that the consideration of alternative routes would be best accomplished through an Environmental Impact Statement with full public input and analysis.
The denial comes after reports of police using concussion grenades, water cannons, and tear gas on members of the Standing Rock Sioux and gathered Water Protectors.
Reports of celebration at a central camp for the Standing Rock resistance are spreading on Twitter:
Celebrations at Oceti Sakowin commence, you can hear the cheers of people all over. #NoDAPL
— Lakota Law Project (@lakotalaw) December 4, 2016
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