The Corps know full well that it is seeking additional consultation with a party that has steadfastly refused to consult. Rather than holding Standing Rock Sioux Tribe accountable for its decisions over the past three years, it seeks to reward them at this late date.
“This action is motivated purely by politics at the expense of a company that has done nothing but play by the rules it was given,” said Kelcy Warren, CEO of Energy Transfer Partners. “To propose, as the Corps now does, to further delay this pipeline and to engage in what can only be described as a sham process sends a frightening message about the rule of law.”
Dakota Access is fully confident that the previous review process conducted by the Corps was extremely thorough and comprehensive. The Corps has supported and defended this process in two federal courts and has been upheld both times.
Dakota Access will vigorously pursue its legal rights in this matter.
