Activists opposing the controversial Dakota Access Pipeline are holding a rally in Washington to show their continued support for Native Americans from the Standing Rock Indian reservation.
Crowds of people taking part in Saturday’s Washington rally were advised to gather near Capitol Reflecting Pool opposite US Congress. From there, protesters are expected to march to the headquarters of the US Environmental Protection Agency.
In a Facebook post, organisers of the ‘Standing Rock & Beyond’ march indicated that they welcomed the decision to revoke drilling permission. However, they added that the fight to protect indigenous rights and the environment is “far from over”.
The rally has been organised to coincide with UN Human Rights Day.
Plans for the crude oil pipeline were thrown into a tailspin earlier this month when the US Army Corps of Engineers announced it would not be giving permission for drilling to take place under Lake Oahe.
Tribal leaders in North Dakota have fervently opposed the 1,172 mile pipeline over fears that it could impact local water supplies and threaten historically spiritual locations for Native Americans.
The saga now looks set to play out in the courts, with Energy Transfer Partners, the company behind the project, expected to file a motion with a US District Court in Washington next year.
The company has until the beginning of January 2017 to put forward its argument for completing the pipeline under the lake on the Missouri River. Energy Transfer Partners claim they stand to lose up to $20 million every week the pipeline remains unoperational.
Via RT. This piece was reprinted by RINF Alternative News with permission or license.