Dakota Access Pipeline

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The Dakota Access Pipeline is supposed to be a more cost effective way to transport oil. Maybe it is, but in any case, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe says that the pipe, which is supposed to run near their land, could contaminate not only important cultural sites but also their drinking water if it leaks (which has happened before in other sites). Another possible route was already rejected for passing too close to the drinking water of Bismarck. Is it all right to contaminate water if there are only a few people? And they’re all indigenous? It seems to be all right to sic dogs on them. And shoot rubber bullets at them, including a thirteen year old girl.

The brief win which suspended construction was overturned by the “president,” who just happens to own stock in the company that is building the pipe. Because that isn’t a huge conflict of interest. Then a bill was put forward in North Dakota to exempt drivers who accidentally hit pedestrians during a protest. I’m sure no one would hit someone and then lie about it. It was rejected, thankfully, but that doesn’t mean another one won’t pass.

Leaks happen. Accidents happen—does Deepwater Horizon sound familiar to anyone? I’m sure the “close relationship” between oil companies and government regulators had more than a little to do with that. Good thing that was stopped and nothing like that could ever happen again.

Oh. Right. Owns stock in the company. And is the type of person who would absolutely put his own interests above others.

These people do not deserve to be poisoned in order to transport oil. But construction is continuing even as the Cheyenne River Sioux lawsuit against the company proceeds. I guess they figure it’s easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.

The Army Corp of Engineers decided to reevaluate the impact on the site in December, but then in January, they were ordered to allow the construction to continue. I bet you can guess by who.