May 28, 2016 - Coalition of Pipeline Fighters Respond to USFWS Revoking Sovereign Lands Construction Permit for Dakota Access Pipeline in Iowa

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Revokes Sovereign Lands Construction Permit for Dakota Access Pipeline in Iowa Standing Rock Sioux Tribe & Coalition of Pipeline Fighters Respond

Des Moines, IA – The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has revoked its approval of a construction permit for the Dakota Access pipeline through the Big Sioux River Wildlife Management Area in Northwest Iowa. This permit, called the Sovereign Lands Construction Permit, was revoked because a significant Native American archaeological site was discovered along the proposed pipeline path. Due to the permit revocation, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources has ordered that Dakota Access LLC stop all construction work for its Bakken oil pipeline until it receives the green light from the state archaeologist and FWS.

The Dakota Access project is a 1,168-mile Bakken oil pipeline proposed to carry up to 450,000 barrels per day. The pipeline would cross the “Breadbasket of America” through the states of North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Illinois.

The following are statements from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and a Coalition of Pipeline Fighters across North Dakota, South Dakota & Iowa:

Chairman Dave Archambault II, Chairman of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe says:

“The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe applauds the Iowa Department of Natural Resources decision to suspend the permit authorizing Dakota Access Pipeline corridor construction work pending further investigation of a significant archaeological site. The Tribe credits its allies, the Iowa Bakken Pipeline Resistance Coalition, Dakota Rural Action, Indigenous Environmental Network, and the Science and Environmental Health Network, in raising awareness of pipeline threats. This consequence of the expedited project is representative of a Tribal apprehension regarding the Dakota Access Pipeline: the destruction of important cultural and historic sites. May this event serves as a reminder, for all concerned parties, to slow down, take proper precautions, and respect our environment.”

Dallas Goldtooth, Keep It In the Ground Campaign Organizer for The Indigenous Environmental Network says:

“This action by Fish & Wildlife Service sets a precedent we hope other local and federal agencies, like the Army Corps of Engineers, take notice of and follow. We must not allow Big Oil to trample Indigenous rights, landowner rights, and federal policies that aim to protect the land, water, and culturally significant sites. Dakota Access is against the ropes, now is the time to deliver the final blows and stop this pipeline.”

LaDonna Brave Bull Allard, North Dakota Landowner and representative of Sacred Stone Spirit Camp says:

“I want to say as we watch with our hearts breaking the building of the Dakota Access pipeline from my homelands across the Missouri River who are working without a permit, I am so thankful for the work of our allies in Iowa who are fighting to protect the land and water.”

Carolyn Raffensberger, Executive Director of the Science & Environmental Health Network says:

“From the beginning, Dakota Access has rushed the process and tried to avoid their obligations to the environment, tribes and archaeological sites. What other precious cultural sites and endangered species are in the path of this pipeline’s destruction? It is essential that all the state and federal agencies, especially the Army Corps of Engineers, take a step back and guarantee protection of our land, water and future generations.”

Ed Fallon, Director of BOLD Iowa says:

“The Meskwaki people, landowners, farmers and environmentalists across Iowa have said all along that Dakota Access is trying to rush this pipeline through without due respect to our people, our land and our water,” said Ed Fallon, a former Iowa lawmaker who serves as director of Bold Iowa. “We commend the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Iowa State Archaeologist and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for revoking approval for Dakota Access to move forward with construction and ground-clearing in Lyon, Boone and Lee counties.”

Joye Braun Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal member, community organizer, camper at Sacred Stone Camp

“These utility boards need to quit proving how stupid and greedy we keep saying they are. Prove us wrong and do right by the people, the land and water. Uphold the treaties your ancestors broke and build real trust with your constituency not companies bent on destroying our way our future.”

Contacts:
Dallas Goldtooth, 708-515-6158, Dallas@ienearth.org
Steve Sitting Bear, External Affairs Director for Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, 701-854-8638
Carolyn Raffensberger, raffenspergerc@cs.com, 515 450 2320
Ed Fallon, 515-238-6404
Joye Braun, 605-515-4792
LaDonna Allard, 701-426-2064