Standing Rock Protest Prevails; Access for Dakota Pipeline Denied

Protesters rejoiced with hugs, laughter and tears.

Protesters celebrate the Army Corps’ denial of an easement to bury a section of the Dakota Access pipeline under the Missouri River. (Photo: AP)

Celebrations erupted among Native Americans at the main protest camp in Cannon Ball of North Dakota as the US Army Corps of Engineers turned down a permit for the construction of the controversial $3.8 billion pipeline project.

The members of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe who have been protesting against the Dakota Access Pipeline have said that in the event of a potential burst of the pipeline, the water supply could be contaminated which will lead to damage of sacred tribal lands.

However, the victory may proved to be short-lived because Republican President-elect Donald Trump has voiced his support for the project. Trump takes over from Democratic President Barack Obama on 20 January and policy experts believe he could reverse the decision if he wanted to.

But that didn’t deter the protesters from rejoicing with hugs, laughter and tears.

When asked how this victory impacts the Native American community, a protester said:

We have been suppressed for so long. It’s time we start living in freedom with the rest of America.

Hundreds of veterans flocked to the camp in recent days to stand against what they said were aggressive law enforcement tactics as the protests grew in popularity.

Brigham McCown, former head of the US Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration said:

He (Trump) could approve the pipeline within a matter of hours of taking office. He can simply reinstate the previous decision or by executive order say that it’s part of national critical infrastructure and approve a permit.

(With Reuters and NBC News)