Obama Administration: Dakota Pipeline 'Will Not Go Forward At This Time'

"Brushing aside a fresh court ruling, three federal agencies said they are withholding a permit on a portion of the project near Sioux Land."

"In a major concession to tribal opponents of the Dakota Access pipeline, and brushing aside a fresh court ruling, the Obama administration announced it would not grant a permit for a key portion of the project near Sioux land until further, extensive review.

The administration also said it would reassess how tribal input is taken into account in similar project reviews, and whether the whole approval process needs a comprehensive overhaul. The decision signals that the opposition of Native Americans and environmentalists might have a ripple effect beyond their protest encampments.

The statement was issued Friday by three federal agencies shortly after a federal district court refused to grant an injunction to block the pipeline. It was welcomed by opponents, who saw it as another sign of the power of grassroots mobilization against fossil fuel interests following the drawn-out fight over the Keystone XL pipeline."

Phil McKenna reports for InsideClimate News September 10, 2016.

SEE ALSO:

"Federal Government Halts Construction Of Part Of North Dakota Pipeline" (NPR)

"In Victory For Protesters, Obama Administration Halts North Dakota Pipeline" (NPR)

"N.D. Pipeline Protester: It's About Our Rights As Native People" (NPR)

"Tribal Leaders Vow To Press On In Fight Against Dakota Pipeline" (AP)

"Dakota Pipeline’s Fate May Hinge on Next President After Setback" (Bloomberg)