On December 4, the US Army Corps of Engineers announced that the Dakota Access Pipeline will no longer be routed through its original route. President Obama declared that the pipeline must be rerouted, despite 85% of it having already been built.

This announcement was received with great appreciation by the members of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in North Dakota, who have been protesting over the location of the pipeline for several months. The tribe opposed the original pipeline path because it felt that the pipeline would greatly interfere with the sanctity of their reservation’s land. The route traverses private property and does not cross into the reservation. The pipeline’s pathway was adjusted 141 times in order to satisfy the demands of Native American tribes.

This pipeline has also been of concern due to the possibility of water contamination. While breaks in pipelines have been disastrous to the environment, they rarely occur. Pipelines are believed to be the safest way to transport gas.

Some of the protests have become violent, even though most protestors seek to protest peacefully. Protestors have been seen attacking police officers with knives, throwing rocks, attempting to shoot a sheriff’s deputy, and setting the land on fire. Police have at times been violent, including shooting hoses at protestors in below-freezing temperatures and attacking with batons, rubber bullets, and tear gas.

With President Obama leaving office in less than one month, this decision is subject to change by the incoming administration of President-elect Trump.

Stay tuned for more.