Central ND News

BISMARCK, N.D. – The trial has begun in the State of North Dakota's lawsuit against the federal government for damages from the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) protests. The state is seeking $38 million to cover its emergency response costs resulting from the federal government's negligence during the protests. Senator John Hoeven, who secured $10 million in 2017 to help reimburse the state, commented on the trial.

"North Dakota's lawsuit is about helping to ensure accountability for the federal government," said Senator Hoeven. "By refusing to enforce the law and properly police illegal activity on federal lands, the federal government allowed significant costs to the state that are beyond the $10 million that we secured to reimburse the state. We are hopeful that this trial will lead to accountability for the federal officials who neglected their responsibilities during the DAPL protests."

Hoeven has been working to provide certainty for DAPL's operations, which are critical to North Dakota and the Three Affiliated Tribes' energy industry. He has urged U.S. Army Corps officials to complete the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process as quickly as possible. The draft EIS was issued in September, and Hoeven has been pushing for its completion. Additionally, he has worked to ensure DAPL's continued operation while the Corps completes the court-ordered review.

The trial will determine the extent of the federal government's negligence and the resulting costs for the state of North Dakota. The state's lawsuit seeks compensation for the emergency response expenses incurred during the protests against the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.

The protests, which took place in 2016 and 2017, saw thousands of people gathering near the pipeline's construction site to express their concerns about its potential environmental impact and its impact on Native American lands. The state claims that the federal government's failure to enforce the law and maintain order during the protests led to significant costs for North Dakota.

The outcome of this trial will be crucial in holding the federal government accountable for its actions or lack thereof during the DAPL protests. Senator Hoeven and the state of North Dakota are hopeful that justice will be served and that the federal officials responsible for neglecting their responsibilities will be held accountable.

The Dakota Access Pipeline has been a contentious issue, with supporters arguing that it is vital for North Dakota's energy industry and opponents raising concerns about its potential impact on the environment and Native American communities. The trial will shed light on the events that unfolded during the protests and determine the financial responsibility of the federal government for the resulting damages.

As the trial commences, the state of North Dakota remains committed to seeking justice and holding the federal government accountable for its actions. The outcome of this lawsuit will have significant implications not only for North Dakota but for the larger debate surrounding energy infrastructure projects and the responsibilities of the federal government in enforcing the law and protecting the interests of the states.

Senator Hoeven's efforts to secure funding for the state and his continued advocacy for DAPL's operations demonstrate his commitment to supporting North Dakota's energy industry. As the trial unfolds, it is clear that accountability and justice are at the forefront of his concerns.