Washington, D.C. - Representative Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) issued the following statement after reports that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will allow construction to proceed on the Dakota Access Pipeline under Lake Oahe.
"I am deeply troubled by reports that the Army Corps of Engineers will grant an easement for the Lake Oahe crossing of the Dakota Access Pipeline imminently. Rushing this decision flies in the face of tribal sovereignty, and the legally-mandated meaningful consultation requirements. It also would completely ignore the need for an Environmental Impact Statement to ensure construction mitigates the risk of a spill, which could be devastating to the health, economic well-being, and environmental future of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe."