Dakota Pipeline Case Study

Jesus Barajas
Professor Schander Standing Rock Vs. Dakota Access

The U.S government has always had a tense and colorful past in regards to environmental and native rights. This issue has again become a source of tension between native/environmental activists and corporate advancement and policy in the form of a pipeline. The source of tension comes from the fact that this pipeline stems from the fact that the pipe runs near a vital water source and also cultural heritage sites that would be damaged. Opposition to this comes in the form the benefits that it would bring to the economy among the monetary boost also giving a new safer way to transport oil. Both sides have taken their concerns to government and are trying to solve
The added benefit would be rather than have smaller individual pipelines this would be one continuous pipeline that would be built from the states of North Dakota,South Dakota ,Iowa, and Illinois. This large a project would open about 11,000 or more temporary jobs during construction while over one hundred permanent jobs would be available after construction is completed. However, by far the biggest benefit would the fact that the pipeline would lessen U.S. reliance on foreign oil. The economic boost is nothing to scoff at either the estimated $130 million that would be added to state income would boost funding towards many important government programs. Energy Transfer Partners has also assured the public that they will use high-end American made products to ensure the safety and reliability of the pipe itself and subsequently the safety of the public’s as well. Even with the company’s reassurances that the pipe would add a boost to the state economy and that the company has taken every precaution to ensure that the pipe is
Due to the danger of the protests escalating that may affect both law enforcement and protesters alike Army Corps has asked the protesters to remove themselves from the area or they could be charged with trespassing on private property. In response to this statement, Standing Rock states that they will keep fighting for native rights and for mother earth. The commitment to the cause is strong due to the fact that a baby was born in the camp who bears the symbolic name Mni Wiconi which in the Lakota language means “ Water is Life”. Despite the news of the protests being shut down by The Army Corps, The Army Corps will be setting up a zone where protesters can protest without a potential escalation of violence. However, due to the violence at the protest and the fact that they were militarized has brought it to the attention of Senator Cory Booker who wants law enforcement to be formally investigated by The Department of Justice to ensure the protesters right to manifest and protest. Media coverage since the beginning has had a lot of influence and even in regards how some of the rulings were perceived the