Beyond Standing Rock
The controversial Dakota Access Pipeline, and the corresponding Standing Rock protests dominated headlines in 2016. But following Trump's intervention the protesters have been removed and construction is near completion.
Over 600 people have been arrested in connection with the protests. The controversy has centred on the only incomplete section of the pipeline, which will run just north of Standing Rock reservation. Julie Fedorchak never anticipated such issues around construction: "Pipeline development is legally permissible in North Dakota...when a company meets the conditions set by law for a permit, they receive one". However Dave Archambault II, Chairman of the Sioux Tribe says that the"Federal government steamrolled through us, doing whatever they wanted to do. They would say they consulted us...check off the box, we talked to the tribe". Obama's administration halted the project but one of Trump's first presidential actions was to expedite the permitting process. Protesters were forcibly removed just last week.
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