Native American Protest Grows in Response to North Dakota Pipeline Project

William Yardley reports from the scene of a growing protest against the proposed Dakota Access oil pipeline, which would "carry more than 400,000 barrels of crude oil a day from the Bakken region of western North Dakota across South Dakota and Iowa to connect with an existing pipeline in Illinois."

"The 1,100-mile pipeline, which is estimated to cost $3.7 billion, is nearly halfway complete," adds Yardley. "But construction on a section that would sink beneath the Missouri River, just north of the reservation of the Standing Rock Sioux, has been halted under orders from the sheriff of Morton County, Kyle Kirchmeier."

The sheriff ordered the halt in response to a growing number of Native Americans, gathering to protest the construction. "What began with a handful of natives establishing a prayer camp along the river this spring has now drawn international environmental groups and prompted Hollywood celebrities, including Susan Sarandon and Shailene Woodley, to join them, whether here or in a protest last week in Washington, D.C., or on social media."

The article goes on to detailing the work of Earthjustice to build a legal case against the project, and the rulings from the United States District Court that could impact the project. Judge James A. Boasberg has promised a ruling no later than September 9 on a request to stop construction. The article also includes personal stories from some of the Native Americans protesting the project.