The Dakota Access pipeline has been the focus of the news for quite some time. It is a clash between big business and the people, it is anti-oil and clean energy vs. the industry that allows the mass consumption of fossil fuels. Now, the pipeline is to run through four states, and will touch many communities. However, the Standing Rock Sioux tribe has been taking an extraordinary initiative against it. The pipeline, though crossing through a lot of unpopulated wilderness, will run close to their reservation. Residents of the area are concerned the pipeline would pose a risk to their water supply, as well as run through areas that are home to some of their sacred burial sites. Though the pipeline is outside of the reservation, the people are very tied to the land, and believe it is intruding upon their space and livelihood. This conflict is reminiscent of the Keystone XL pipeline controversy. Though that was almost entirely an environmental issue, oil pipelines are not usually hot with the local public.
Here in the end of 2016, we find ourselves at an interesting juncture in time. We have scientific proof of progressing climate change as well as the obvious negative side effects of burning fossil fuels. However, our world is still running heavily on fossil fuels. For example, the average American does not have the financial capacity for an electric car, but also our energy infrastructure is still reliant on oil, even if electric vehicles were cheaper, would they be preferable and convenient? But overall residential oil only takes up a small part of our country’s oil usage, industry and transportation consume billions of gallons a year. Though renewable and clean energy is going strong, it cannot match the current energy demands and compete with oil yet.
Where does that leave us on the Dakota Access Pipeline? It has become so much more that an environmental issue, but the human aspect of the issue is what makes it so hot. Currently, a federal judge is making the decision to send the final fate of this pipeline to the federal government, or not. The Army Corps of Engineers is also putting a halt on the pipeline being routed underneath the lake, until another environmental impact report is completed. The Standing Rock Sioux tribe is celebrating this victory, however the project is far from being put to a stop.
According to a USA Today post, the timeline for the Dakota Access pipeline has been going for a while, and long before there was protesting
- December 2014 - Energy Transfer Partners LP apply to built a pipeline from Canada through to Iowa. Which would carry 570,000 barrels of oil per day.
- March 11, 2016 - Iowa is the final state to approve the construction of the pipeline.
- April 2016 - Standing Rock Sioux tribe being strong protests against the construction of the pipeline, and argue its location near their land.
- July 2016 - Sioux tribe sue Army Corps of Engineers, though foundation construction was already underway.
- September 2016 - Petitions to the White House and President Obama are made to aid in their cause to stop construction.
- October 2016 - Construction continues and the tribe has not gained legal traction in the matter. Protests become more violent and harsher police action is taken to control crowds.
- November 25, 2016 - Protesters are asked to vacate the area.
- December 4, 2016 - Army Corps of Engineers denied easement to allow the pipeline to cross lake Oahe - temporary halt to construction.
By now, much of the construction has been completed despite protests, however there is a temporary halt to construction. There of course if a good chance this will all still go through. Since Energy Transfer Partners has been granted to freedom to built this pipeline on private land, they have poured approximately $1 billion into equipment and construction - they will do everything possible to push through the project.
This is a fascinating clash of culture, priority and cause. For more resources on this issue and a good way to help educate yourself take a look at the following links!
