Dakota Access Pipeline

Definition

The Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) is a 1,172-mile underground oil pipeline that transports crude oil from the Bakken shale formation in North Dakota to a shipping point in Illinois. The pipeline has been the center of significant environmental and land rights activism, particularly among Native American tribes and environmental groups who oppose its construction due to concerns over potential oil spills and threats to sacred lands.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Dakota Access Pipeline was completed in 2017, but protests and legal battles continued over its impact on the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and the environment.
2. Protests at Standing Rock garnered international attention, highlighting issues of Indigenous rights, environmental protection, and corporate influence in politics.
3. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers granted permits for the pipeline's construction without conducting a full environmental review, leading to widespread criticism and legal challenges.
4. Water protectors camped at Standing Rock faced harsh weather conditions and law enforcement actions during their protests, illustrating the tensions surrounding environmental activism.
5. The pipeline's construction raised concerns about potential spills into the Missouri River, which serves as a critical water source for millions of people.

Review Questions

• How did the Dakota Access Pipeline protests highlight the intersection of environmental issues and Indigenous rights?
  • The Dakota Access Pipeline protests brought attention to how environmental issues disproportionately affect Indigenous communities, particularly the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. The tribe argued that the pipeline threatened their water supply and sacred sites, illustrating the broader struggle for land rights and environmental justice. This intersection sparked a national conversation about corporate responsibility and the need for meaningful consultation with Indigenous peoples regarding projects that impact their lands.
• Discuss the legal challenges faced by the Dakota Access Pipeline and their implications for future infrastructure projects.
  • The Dakota Access Pipeline faced numerous legal challenges primarily from Indigenous groups and environmental activists who argued that proper environmental reviews were not conducted. Court rulings temporarily halted construction and forced reevaluations of permits. These legal challenges set important precedents regarding environmental assessments and Indigenous consultation for future infrastructure projects, emphasizing that companies must address community concerns and adhere to regulatory requirements.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the Dakota Access Pipeline protests on environmental activism and policy in the United States.
  • The Dakota Access Pipeline protests had a significant long-term impact on environmental activism and policy by raising awareness about fossil fuel infrastructure's risks and solidifying alliances among diverse activist groups. The visibility of these protests led to increased public scrutiny of similar projects, influencing policy discussions around energy transition and climate change. Additionally, the movement inspired further advocacy for Indigenous rights and prompted discussions about accountability for corporations involved in environmentally harmful practices, creating a ripple effect across various social movements.

Related terms

Standing Rock Sioux Tribe: A Native American tribe that led the opposition against the Dakota Access Pipeline, arguing that it threatens their water supply and sacred lands.

Environmental Justice: A social movement that seeks to address the disproportionate environmental burdens faced by marginalized communities, emphasizing the right to a healthy environment.

Keystone XL Pipeline: A proposed oil pipeline that faced similar opposition as DAPL, aimed at transporting crude oil from Canada to the U.S., highlighting broader issues of fossil fuel infrastructure and environmental activism.