01.18.17

Hoeven: Obama Administration Trying to Delay DAPL Again by Changing the Rules

Next Administration Should Resolve DAPL Issue

WASHINGTON -- Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement in response to the Obama administration and Assistant Secretary for Civil Works Jo-Ellen Darcy’s decision to require the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to do an environmental impact statement (EIS) prior to issuing an easement for the Dakota Access Pipeline project:

“The Obama administration is again trying to delay the Dakota Access Pipeline project by changing the rules. The company has complied with all federal and state requirements and should now be allowed to complete the project. Since the current administration will not issue the final easement, the Trump administration should approve it without delay.

“Pipelines like the Dakota Access Pipeline can be built safely and protect both the tribe and everyone living downstream. A new EIS will impose months and perhaps years of additional delay and difficulty on the people who live and work in the pipeline area. Going forward, we can work together to improve the permitting process. At this point, we look forward to working with the new administration to resolve this long-delayed project and finally get it completed.”

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