The oil industry in the US is experiencing different kinds of hardship. It has been in a tailspin for a long time. When it seems to be ready to spread its wings, a new misfortune occurs. Recently, the US District Court for the District of Columbia has ordered the shutdown of the Dakota Access oil pipeline after an emergency request by a Native American group. The Dakota Access oil pipeline delivers oil out of North Dakota’s Bakken shale basin.
The Native American tribe, Sioux, claimed that possible oil leaks from the pipeline might pollute the local ecosystem as the major pipeline’s route runs across a crucial water supply. Notably, Native Americans have been trying to stop the operation of this pipeline for years. Thus, this is a momentous victory for them. This decision came as a severe blow to the Trump administration’s plan to revive the domestic fossil fuels industry. The Dakota Access Pipeline transports 670,000 barrels of oil a day that brings a big profit to the oil industry. Nevertheless, the court ordered Energy Transfer to shut down the pipeline within 30 days because of the violation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)."Today is a historic day for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and the many people who have supported us in the fight against the pipeline," Mike Faith, a tribal Chairman, said.
However, the pipeline may resume its work after a comprehensive assessment. The company is using all available legal and administrative processes to challenge the decision. The independent experts will check how truly dangerous for the environment this pipeline is. Maybe this is just the beginning of the battle. Now, the Native Americans can enjoy laurels of victory as the company will not be able to relaunch the pipeline in the near future.
