Introduction
The Biden administration recently addressed the status of the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) by releasing a draft environmental review. This review has not clarified whether the administration intends to revoke the existing permit that allows the pipeline to cross federal waters. Instead, it states that public comments will be considered before making a final decision. The draft impact statement also examines the potential environmental consequences of the pipeline.
Environmental Implications
According to the report, an oil spill from the pipeline could have significant and long-lasting effects on groundwater, wildlife, and community health. However, the Corps of Engineers considers the likelihood of such a spill to be minimal.
Conclusion
While awaiting public comments, the Biden administration has refrained from selecting a preferred alternative regarding the DAPL permit. The final decision will determine whether the permit is revoked, maintained as-is, or modified. The potential consequences of an oil spill from the pipeline highlight the importance of thorough consideration and evaluation of this project.
The Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL): A Controversial Project
The Dakota Access Pipeline, commonly referred to as the DAPL, was constructed by Energy Transfer Partners with the aim of transporting crude oil from North Dakota’s Bakken field to refineries in Illinois. Stretching across the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers as well as Lake Oahe, the pipeline runs perilously close to the boundaries of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. Disturbingly, this land was taken from the Tribe by Congress in 1958, as revealed in a briefing by Harvard Law.
The DAPL has faced vehement opposition from not only the Standing Rock Sioux but also other tribes and environmental-policy groups. Their primary concerns revolve around the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the transportation of oil through the pipeline and the potential contamination of state and tribal drinking water in the event of a spill.
In a separate decision earlier this week, the Biden administration announced the cancellation of controversial oil and natural-gas leases in an Alaskan federal wildlife refuge. These leases had been acquired by a state development agency in 2021, further highlighting the administration’s commitment to environmental preservation.
Protecting the Fragile Ecosystem: Interior Secretary Deb Haaland Cancels Arctic Leases
In a statement issued by Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, she emphasized the urgent need to prioritize the preservation of the Arctic. As climate change continues to impact this region at an alarming rate, with temperatures rising more than twice as fast as the global average, Haaland highlighted the criticality of taking immediate action.
To ensure the utmost care and protection of this vulnerable ecosystem, Secretary Haaland has made the bold decision to cancel the seven remaining leases. This move underscores the administration’s commitment to combating climate change and safeguarding our natural environment.