Harold Monteau: #NoDAPL movement draws a line in the sand


#NoDAPL water protectors lock down equipment constructing the Dakota Access Pipeline north of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on September 6, 2016. Photo by Zoltán Grossman

Harold Monteau, a member of the Chippewa Cree Tribe, sees the potential for the #NoDAPL movement to solidify nationwide resistance against large infrastructure projects that benefit only a few:
On Friday, September 9, 2016 the Federal District Court for the District of Columbia denied an injunction sought by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and other plaintiffs seeking to halt construction until it could be determined whether the Federal Agencies involved (mostly the Army Corp of Engineers) had complied with several Federal Laws regarding Environmental Protection, Archeological Protection and Native American Graves and Sacred Site protection.

AGAIN, don't let the guard down just yet. Small victory, but unless it does turn into Federal Action to relocate or disapprove the pipeline, it will only have the effect of delay. The laws involved were written by the wealthy companies, lobbyists and their Congresspersons who, in this day of bought and paid for representation, need the money and support of Companies and Banks that own and finance the industry, and are not inclined to go against them.

There is an opportunity here to turn this into a bona fide "National" movement to resist these kinds of projects that only solidify the U.S. dependence on Oil instead of looking for alternative energy solutions (many available now). The Billions spent on these pipelines would be better spent improving available transportation infrastructure and safety. But the Oil and Gas, and other carbon based energy providers, lobby against any real effort to develop alternative energy sources.

Read More:
Harold A. Monteau: Environmental Racism and Assault Is U.S. Law and Policy (Indian Country Today 9/21)

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