Urgent Standing Rock Update: Act Now!
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced their intention to issue a permit for the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline under Lake Oahe–a route that would jeopardize the drinking water and desecrate the sacred burial grounds of the Standing Rock Sioux–as soon as tomorrow. The Army Corps also stated that they would grant the easement without completing an Environmental Impact Statement (an inclusive project evaluation process that allows for public input).
Last December, the U.S. Army Corps found that an Environmental Impact Statement was necessary to determine the safety and environmental impact of the pipeline’s construction, and today’s announcement circumvents this legal process while jeopardizing the health and cultural rights of our Sioux brothers and sisters.
The Department of Defense has direct jurisdiction over the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Act Today: Call Secretary of Defense James Mattis and urge him not to grant the easement without a full Environmental Impact Statement that properly consults the Standing Rock Sioux and upholds treaty obligations.
Call: 703-571-3343 Ext #5
Call Script
As an Episcopalian, I am deeply concerned about the welfare of the Standing Rock Sioux people (many of whom are members of the Episcopal Church). Granting an easement for the Dakota Access Pipeline without first completing an Environmental Impact Statement circumvents an important legal process and jeopardizes the health and human rights of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. I urge you to ensure that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers abides by the processes they set forth in December by completing a full Environmental Impact Statement, while properly consulting the Standing Rock Sioux and honoring treaty obligations.