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For Immediate Release
Contact:

Perry Wheeler, Greenpeace Media Officer, P: 301-675-8766

Water Protectors Victorious at Standing Rock as Army Corps Denies Easement

The Obama Administration and the Army Corps of Engineers have officially denied the easement to cross under Lake Oahe. The Army Corps will be undertaking a full environmental impact study on the pipeline, which was missing from the original process, to look at potential alternative routes.

In response to the news, Greenpeace spokesperson Lilian Molina said:

WASHINGTON

The Obama Administration and the Army Corps of Engineers have officially denied the easement to cross under Lake Oahe. The Army Corps will be undertaking a full environmental impact study on the pipeline, which was missing from the original process, to look at potential alternative routes.

In response to the news, Greenpeace spokesperson Lilian Molina said:

"The water protectors have done it. This is a monumental victory in the fight to protect Indigenous rights and sovereignty. Today's decision shows that when people unite to stand for what's right, they can alter the course of history. Greenpeace is grateful to the over 300 Indigenous communities, allies, and veterans at Standing Rock for standing up for all of us and showing us the way forward.

"The Obama Administration and Army Corps of Engineers deserve significant praise for having the courage to stand up and admit that the permitting process was flawed. This pipeline should have never been rerouted from north of Bismarck to cut through Standing Rock's treaty lands. We are confident that a thorough environmental impact statement will show that this pipeline will jeopardize land and water supply no matter where they attempt to place it. To avoid the worst impacts of climate change, we must keep dirty fossil fuels in the ground.

"Energy Transfer Partners, Governor Dalrymple, and President-Elect Trump must respect today's decision and recognize the will of the people to stop this disastrous pipeline. The fight doesn't end today. Any attempt to circumvent the easement denial will be met with staunch resistance."

Greenpeace is a global, independent campaigning organization that uses peaceful protest and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future.

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