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US judge refuses to block oil pipeline near tribal lands US government halts oil pipeline opposed by Native Americans
(about 9 hours later)
A US judge has denied a request to halt construction on a controversial oil pipeline in North Dakota. The US government has stepped into a dispute over an oil pipeline in North Dakota, blocking its construction on federal tribal lands.
The Dakota Access Pipeline is opposed by over 200 Native American tribes who fear its impact on waterways. It also asked the company behind it to "pause" action on a wider stretch held sacred by a Native American tribe.
The government order came shortly after a district judge denied a request to halt construction on the pipeline.
The Dakota Access Pipeline is opposed by over 200 Native American groups who fear its impact on waterways.
The $3.7bn (£2.8bn) project will pass through four states, close to lands that are sacred to members of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.The $3.7bn (£2.8bn) project will pass through four states, close to lands that are sacred to members of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.
But moments after the ruling the US government said it would force construction at one site to stop. But only minutes earlier, US District Judge James Boasberg ruled that a decision to fast-track the pipeline project was not illegal.
The Department of Justice called upon Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners to voluntarily halt construction temporarily within 20 miles of Lake Oahe, which is considered sacred to the regional native tribes. The federal government then in effect overruled the judge, calling on the Texas-based company to voluntarily halt construction temporarily within 20 miles of Lake Oahe, which is considered sacred to the regional native tribes.
And the Army, which issues the building permits, announced they were suspending all work at that location. "This case has highlighted the need for a serious discussion on whether there should be nationwide reform with respect to considering tribes' views on these types of infrastructure projects," a joint statement by the departments of Justice, Army and the Interior said.
Immediate reaction among the protesters camped in North Dakota was confusion. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe called the Obama administration's intervention "stunning".
"The tribes' attempts to stop construction have been denied," the Red Warrior Camp said in a Facebook statement, immediately after the judge's ruling. "Our hearts are full, this an historic day for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and for tribes across the nation," tribal chairman Dave Archambault II said. "Our voices have been heard."
"Stay peaceful without backing down" they advised. Dakota Access, which is building the pipeline, declined to comment.
Judge James Boasberg had ruled that the US Army Corp of Engineers "likely" complied with federal law when they issued construction permits to Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners, who are constructing the pipeline. When fully connected to existing lines, the 1,770km (1,100-mile) Dakota Access pipeline would be the first to carry crude oil from the Bakken shale, a vast oil formation in North Dakota, Montana and parts of Canada, directly to oil refineries on the US Gulf Coast.
Crude oil from the Bakken shale will be shipped to oil refineries on the US Gulf Coast. Environmental and local activists believe that the transporting of up to 570,000 barrels of crude oil a day will endanger local waterways.
Environmental and local activists believe that the transporting of up to 570,000 barrels of crude oil a day will imperil local waterways. But proponents of the pipeline believe it to be a safer method of transporting oil than the current methods - rail and road.
Proponents of the 1,879 km-pipeline's construction believe it to be a safer method of transporting oil than the current methods being used, which is by rail and road. A coalition of oil and business interests said the government's move could threaten the jobs of thousands of workers.
A press conference is scheduled by the protesters later on Friday in Bismarck, North Dakota. "Should the Administration ultimately stop this construction, it would set a horrific precedent," the Midwest Alliance for Infrastructure Now said in a statement.
Ahead of Friday's ruling, Dave Archambault II, chairman of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, called upon followers to "continue to be united and peaceful in our opposition to the pipeline". Over the Labor Day holiday weekend, violence briefly flared between private security forces and protesters who had come from across the United States and Canada.
"Our ultimate goal is permanent protection of our sacred sites and our water," Mr Archambault II said. Six people were bitten by dogs, and 30 were pepper-sprayed, according to a tribal spokesman.
"We must continue to have faith and believe in the strength of our prayers and not do anything in violence. We must believe in the creator and good things will come."
Over the Labor Day holiday weekend, violence briefly flared up between private security forces and the protesters who are arrived from all across the United States and Canada.
Six people were bitten by attack dogs, and 30 were pepper sprayed, according to a tribal spokesman.
The governor of North Dakota activated the National Guard to be alert for any further violence.