No DAPL Under Lake Oahe

Following the US Army Corps of Engineers’ decision to deny permission for the Dakota Access Pipeline to cross Lake Oahe, water protesters and supporters are celebrating.

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Republican Speaker of the House Paul Ryan [...] wasn’t happy about the decision, describing it as “big-government decision-making at its worst."

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While acknowledging the “win,” some noted that the decision to reroute the pipeline doesn’t mean the protests will end. Others warned President-elect Donald Trump could give the pipeline the go ahead once he enters the White House.

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As for the companies behind the pipeline, Energy Transfer Partners and Sunoco Logistics, the Army Corps announcement hasn’t put an end to their plans to route the tunnel under the Missouri River.

Describing the Obama Administration’s statement as a “purely political action,” the companies made it clear they intend to carry on. “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,” Energy Transfer Partners said in a statement. “Nothing this Administration has done today changes that in any way."
  RT

And I suspect they're right. It was a political move. Makes Obama look good at the end while not actually shutting anything down. They'll just go somewhere less controversial, but I certainly wouldn't call under the Missouri River uncontroversial.

Also, the decision was no doubt forced in part by last week's pledge of 3,500 veterans to take part in the protest, and the deadline set by the Army Corps of Engineers to have the Sioux camp closed down today.

Congratulations to the Sioux and their supporters. It was a hard victory.