In a status report filed today in response to a federal judge’s request that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers state its position on a possible injunction shutting down the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL), the agency reaffirmed its opposition to a shutdown. The answer puts the Biden administration on record as not merely taking no action to shut down the pipeline, but actively opposing taking the line out of operation due to health, safety, and environmental concerns while impacts are adequately evaluated.

Earthjustice attorney Jan Hasselman issued the following statement in response:

“On Earth Day, President Biden sat down with world leaders to discuss how we will collectively address climate change. His administration has also promised to be more sensitive to concerns voiced by Indigenous leaders and Tribal governments. Given all this, it’s baffling that when it comes to the Dakota Access Pipeline, Biden’s Army Corps is standing in the way of justice for Standing Rock by opposing a court order to shut down this infrastructure while environmental and safety consequences are fully evaluated.”