Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Responds to Oil Pipeline Builders

Today, Transfer Partners Chairman Kelcy Warren released a statement responding to the recent court decision and DOJ announcement regarding construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Kelcy Warren, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer said, "We intend to meet with officials in Washington to understand [the government's] position and reiterate our commitment to bring the Dakota Access Pipeline into operation."

Tribal Chairman Dave Armchambault II published the following statement in response:

"The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe will continue to explore all legal, legislative and administrative options to stop construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. The pipeline has already led to the destruction of our sacred sites."

The statement continues: "It is unfortunate that the corporate world chooses to ignore the millions of people and hundreds of tribal nations who stand in opposition to the destruction of our lands, resources, waters and sacred sites. Energy Transfer Partners has proven time and time again that the bottom line for them is money. The bottom line for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe is and will always be protecting our lands, people, water and sacred sites from the devastation of this pipeline. Our fight isn’t over until there is permanent protection of our people and resources from the pipeline."

Also today, rallies were held across the nation organized by environmental group 350.org in support of the immediate stoppage of the Dakota access pipeline. In Palo Alto, Lytton Square was filled with supporters who gathered with signs and banners. One activist said, "We stopped the XL Pipeline and we will not cease our efforts until we stop the Dakota Access Pipeline." Members of the Dakota Sioux who live in the Bay Area were on board at the event, as were members of the Raging Grannies, the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, and the Silicon Valley chapter of 350.org.