By — Joshua Barajas Joshua Barajas Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/dakota-access-pipeline-protesters-arrested-deadline-evacuate-camp-passes Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Dakota Access pipeline protesters arrested as deadline to evacuate camp passes Nation Feb 22, 2017 6:28 PM EDT Authorities have begun arresting opponents against the Dakota Access pipeline who failed to leave a protest camp by a government-set deadline this afternoon. More than an hour after the deadline, police started arrested people who didn’t comply with the order. It’s not immediately clear how many protesters have been arrested. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers gave demonstrators until 2 p.m. ET today to clear the Oceti Sakowin camp, which is located on federal land and nearby the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe reservation. The agency and state officials cited a spring flooding threat when the snow melts. Many of the 200 to 300 protesters peacefully vacated the camp hours earlier today, the Associated Press reported. The camp, once the base of operations for thousands of tribal leaders and their supporters, was relegated to few hundred people Wednesday. Tribal leaders challenged the construction of the four-state, 1,172-mile oil pipeline, fearing that the pipeline could contaminate Lake Oahe, a primary water source for the reservation. They also argued that tribal leaders weren’t properly consulted about the project and were concerned that the pipeline would damage cultural sites on their land. HAPPENING NOW: Law enforcement arresting protesters who have refused to leave #DAPL opposition camp @KSTP pic.twitter.com/RCYZR41qEq — Matt Belanger (@MattKSTP) February 22, 2017 The pipeline’s builder, Energy Transfer Partners, has maintained that the pipeline was a safer option than rail and trucks to transport oil. In January, President Donald Trump signed executive orders that cleared the way for the completion of the once-delayed Dakota Access pipeline. The Dakota Access Pipeline and Keystone XL Pipeline were put on hold during the Obama administration. But new executive orders by President Trump begin putting them back on track, as part of efforts to undo former President Obama’s legacy. How do these moves fit into the broader Trump agenda for energy and the environment? William Brangham talks with Valerie Volcovici of Reuters. Ahead of the deadline, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum announced that a travel assistance center would be set up for protesters, offering personal kits, water, bus fare, a night’s worth of hotel lodging and snacks, among other services. In a Facebook post, the governor added that transportation will be provided to the center from the camp. He urged protesters to “take advantage of these amenities.” WATCH: Seeing impediments to jobs, Trump prioritizes pipelines over environmental protections We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now By — Joshua Barajas Joshua Barajas Joshua Barajas is a senior editor for the PBS NewsHour's Communities Initiative. He's also the senior editor and manager of newsletters. @Josh_Barrage
Authorities have begun arresting opponents against the Dakota Access pipeline who failed to leave a protest camp by a government-set deadline this afternoon. More than an hour after the deadline, police started arrested people who didn’t comply with the order. It’s not immediately clear how many protesters have been arrested. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers gave demonstrators until 2 p.m. ET today to clear the Oceti Sakowin camp, which is located on federal land and nearby the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe reservation. The agency and state officials cited a spring flooding threat when the snow melts. Many of the 200 to 300 protesters peacefully vacated the camp hours earlier today, the Associated Press reported. The camp, once the base of operations for thousands of tribal leaders and their supporters, was relegated to few hundred people Wednesday. Tribal leaders challenged the construction of the four-state, 1,172-mile oil pipeline, fearing that the pipeline could contaminate Lake Oahe, a primary water source for the reservation. They also argued that tribal leaders weren’t properly consulted about the project and were concerned that the pipeline would damage cultural sites on their land. HAPPENING NOW: Law enforcement arresting protesters who have refused to leave #DAPL opposition camp @KSTP pic.twitter.com/RCYZR41qEq — Matt Belanger (@MattKSTP) February 22, 2017 The pipeline’s builder, Energy Transfer Partners, has maintained that the pipeline was a safer option than rail and trucks to transport oil. In January, President Donald Trump signed executive orders that cleared the way for the completion of the once-delayed Dakota Access pipeline. The Dakota Access Pipeline and Keystone XL Pipeline were put on hold during the Obama administration. But new executive orders by President Trump begin putting them back on track, as part of efforts to undo former President Obama’s legacy. How do these moves fit into the broader Trump agenda for energy and the environment? William Brangham talks with Valerie Volcovici of Reuters. Ahead of the deadline, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum announced that a travel assistance center would be set up for protesters, offering personal kits, water, bus fare, a night’s worth of hotel lodging and snacks, among other services. In a Facebook post, the governor added that transportation will be provided to the center from the camp. He urged protesters to “take advantage of these amenities.” WATCH: Seeing impediments to jobs, Trump prioritizes pipelines over environmental protections We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now