A Temporary Victory At Standing Rock

UPDATED: 12pm 12/5/2016
Sunday afternoon the secretary of the Army Corps of Engineers told Standing Rock Sioux Chairman Dave Archambault II that the current route for the controversial Dakota Access pipeline will be denied!

The order  from the federal government effectively halts all construction going forward until further environmental reviews for alternative routes are conducted.

just one of many protest marches near Standing Rock North Dakota

The Dakota oil pipeline that was marked to go under the Missouri river and risk the safety of drinking water to the Sioux people and many others, has been temporarily stopped.  This is a day of justice, a win for the environment, for clean water, for humanity, and a great relief to protesters from all over the world who have been standing their ground against police and military for months.

Police use a water cannon on protesters during a protest near the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. REUTERS/Stephanie Keith

The Army core of engineers will now do an environmental impact study to figure out where to put the pipeline.  This will halt the current project for months if not years.  Currently the protesters are vowing to stay.  As we all know, sadly, it is not beyond the US military to go back on its word to Native Americans.

Many activists, military veterans, and members of native american tribes still do not beleive construction will halt in any permanent manner. Energy Transfer Partners / Sunoco has stated emphatically in a press release that it will continue building as before:

As stated all along, ETP and SXL are fully committed to ensuring that this vital project is brought to completion and fully expect to complete construction of the pipeline without any additional rerouting in and around Lake Oahe. Nothing this Administration has done today changes that in any way.  –Energy Transfer Partners

Video of victory announcement at Standing Rock is joyful.  The sounds of the drums and jubilant native voices singing together are incredibly uplifting.  Let us hope for lasting protection of their water and sacred lands.  The movement still needs your support!

Opponents of the Dakota Access Pipeline celebrating after learning Sunday’s news. Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images