In a story Dec. 4 about reaction to a decision regarding the Dakota Access oil pipeline, The Associated Press reported erroneously that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said that it wouldn’t grant an easement for the project. The Army issued the decision to not approve the easement at this time.
A corrected version of the story is below:
Quotes from some leading voices in the oil pipeline dispute
Quotes from some leading voices in the Dakota Access oil pipeline dispute
By The Associated Press
Quotes from some leading voices in the Dakota Access oil pipeline dispute. The U.S. Army said Sunday that it won’t grant an easement for the Dakota Access oil pipeline in southern North Dakota, handing a victory to the Standing Rock Sioux tribe and its supporters.
“The decision today by the Obama Administration to further postpone any action on the easement for the Dakota Access Pipeline is a serious mistake. It does nothing to resolve the issue, and worst of all it prolongs the serious problems faced by North Dakota law enforcement as they try to maintain public safety.” — Gov. Jack Dalrymple, R-N.D.
“In light of today’s decision by the Department of the Army regarding the Dakota Access Pipeline, the Department of Justice will continue to monitor the situation in North Dakota in the days ahead, and we stand ready to provide resources to help all those who can play a constructive role in easing tensions.” — Attorney General Loretta Lynch.
“The Obama administration’s refusal to issue an easement for the Dakota Access Pipeline violates the rule of law and fails to resolve the issue. Instead, it passes the decision off to the next administration, which has already indicated it will approve the easement, and in the meantime perpetuates a difficult situation for North Dakotans.” — Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D.
“It’s long past time that a decision is made on the easement going under Lake Oahe. This administration’s delay in taking action — after I’ve pushed the White House, Army Corps and other federal agencies for months to make a decision — means that today’s move doesn’t actually bring finality to the project. The pipeline still remains in limbo.” — Sen. Heidi Heidtkamp, D-N.D.
“If a project that has involved all relevant stakeholders and followed both the letter and spirit of the law at every step of this approval process can be derailed, what signal does that send to others considering building new energy infrastructure in this country?” — Jay Timmons, president and CEO, National Association of Manufacturers (NAM).
“In the year 2016, we should not continue to trample on Native American sovereignty. We should not endanger the water supply of millions of people. We should not become more dependent on fossil fuel and accelerate the planetary crisis of climate change.” — Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.
“I hoped even a lawless president wouldn’t continue to ignore the rule of law. However, it was becoming increasingly clear he was punting this issue down the road. Today’s unfortunate decision sends a very chilling signal to others who want to build infrastructure in this country.” — Rep. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D.
First Published: December 6, 2016, 5:00 a.m.
