The Dakota Access pipeline operator chose the day of the US presidential election to announce that the final phase of its controversial construction project will begin in two weeks – marking a bold escalation in its response to the Native American protests. I’m speechless,” said Cheryl Angel, a Sicangu Lakota tribe member who has been at the Standing Rock camps since the spring. Angel said the pipeline construction plan was “environmentally irresponsible” and “illegal” considering the army corps has yet to approve final permits. But, she added, Dakota Access does not have all the permits it needs to begin drilling, including the easement. “Starting construction without permits would be beyond the pale, even for Dakota Access,” Hasselman told the Guardian.

Source: The Guardian November 08, 2016 22:45 UTC