Press Releases

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree today applauded the decision of the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to explore different routes for the Dakota Access Pipeline and not approve a permit for current siting near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. 

“This is a huge victory today for the Standing Rock Sioux and the many who have braved the freezing cold and brutal violence to oppose this project and its threat to the tribe's sacred sites and water supply,” said Pingree.  “I applaud President Obama and the Army Corps of Engineers for acting on their concerns, but I will continue working to ensure those promises are kept in the months ahead.” 

In September, Pingree joined her colleagues in urging the USACE for greater consultation with the Standing Rock Sioux.  

And in light of recent violence against protesters, Pingree has been working with other members of Congress in urging a briefing from the Department of Justice, White House, and Army Corps of Engineer officials before the holiday to hear specifically what actions are being taken to deescalate this situation. Additionally, she joined colleagues in sending a letter to Attorney General Lynch to express concerns about the health and safety of the protesters and affirm that their right to peacefully demonstrate should be the top priority for the state of North Dakota and the USACE.