North Dakota Lawmakers Call for a Resolution to Dakota Access Protest

This week, North Dakota’s Sen. John Hoeven and Rep. Kevin Cramer both issued statements calling for a lawful and speedy resolution to the ongoing dispute surrounding the Dakota Access Pipeline.

According to Sen. Hoeven, what’s important is “getting the Corps to approve the easement so construction can be completed and life can return to normal for our farmers and ranchers in the region, and for our law enforcement who are working very hard to protect lives and property.”

Rep. Cramer issued a statement after walking the construction site with Dakota Access officials, Standing Rock Sioux Chairman David Archambault, U.S. Corps of Engineers Omaha District Commander Col. John Henderson, Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Historic Preservation Officer John Eagle, North Dakota State Historic Preservation Officer Paul Picha, Cheyenne River Sioux archaeologists and other tribal cultural and historical specialists. According to Cramer, “I am certain that after today the Corps of Engineers will feel confident it has the adequate affirmation to issue the final easement to complete the pipeline construction across the Missouri River at Lake Oahe.”

The protests have gone on long enough, it’s time to respect the rule of law and allow the Dakota Access Pipeline to proceed.