At least 12 people were arrested Saturday during a protest aimed at blocking construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline through southeast Iowa.
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The Standing Rock Sioux tribe and others argue the project will impact drinking water for thousands of tribal members and millions downstream.
The action comes after hundreds gathered in front of the White House Tuesday to protest the pipeline as part of a wider “Day of Action”.
A panel of three judges stated that it needs more time to consider the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s request for an emergency injunction in the recent ruling.
This ruling has halted construction in a radius of 20 miles of Lake Oahe and follows the federal government’s order to halt to construction on US Army Corps of Engineers land around the lake on 9 September.
“We appreciate the cooperation of the Corps in protecting the First Amendment rights of all water protectors”, said Tribal Chairman Dave Archambault II. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) last week to hold a hearing on Native American opposition to the pipeline, but said on Monday that they were rejected by the staunch pipeline supporter.
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The permit allows protesters to the north and south of the Cannonball River, but because of a grazing lease will not be able to use the northern section. In exchange for that authority, the tribe assumes responsibility for maintenance, damage and restoration costs, security and safety of protesters, and liability insurance.
