Washington, D.C. — After it looked like the Dakota Access Pipeline would be delayed indefinitely, it now appears it’s on a fast track to move forward.
The Army Corps of Engineers tells Congress it intends to grant an easement to allow for the completion of the controversial Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL), according to a statement from the Army.
The pipeline has become a focal point of protests against the final stage of the project, which is opposed by the Sioux at Standing Rock tribe, stemming from fears of damage to Lake Oahe, next to their reservation.
Robert Speer, acting Secretary of the Army says that today’s announcement will allow for the final step, which is granting of the easement. He says once that is done, they will have completed all the tasks in the Presidential Memorandum of January 24, 2017.
The line was installed this past year in Lyon, Sioux, and O’Brien counties on its way to a terminal in Illinois.
