Rep. Ellison Statement on Dakota Access Pipeline Decision

Statement

"After months of protests, I'm inspired by this victory by thousands of indigenous activists and Water Protectors, and millions of Americans who support them.

"This is a victory for all people who fight for social justice. And it is a victory won by the power of peaceful protest - a reminder of what people can do when they stand up and organize.

"We use environmental impact statements to understand how key projects will impact our environment and communities. I hope that Energy Transfer Partners, and most importantly, the next Administration, recognize the concerns raised by the Standing Rock Tribe.

"I also want to acknowledge that the responsibility for this project falls on the Energy Transfer board room, not the workers who are simply trying to do their jobs. Working Americans need our support as well. That's why I support a broad infrastructure package that creates good jobs for millions of American workers.

"We have a responsibility to respect the sovereignty of the Standing Rock Tribe, and to ensure their voices are heard. And we must ensure that the millions of people who depend on the Missouri and Cannonball rivers have access to clean water. As the Water Protectors at Standing Rock remind us every day: Water Is Life."

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