Central ND News

Eight years ago this month, on January 24, 2017, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to expedite the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. The order reversed a decision by the Obama administration to halt the project, which had faced delays due to environmental and tribal concerns. 

The memorandum instructed the Army Corps of Engineers to “review and approve in an expedited manner” any necessary easements or permits for the project. It also emphasized that construction projects like the Dakota Access Pipeline should use “materials and equipment produced in the United States, to the maximum extent possible.”

During the signing, Trump stated, “We will build our own pipelines. We will build our own pipes,” adding, “Like we used to in the old days.”

The Dakota Access Pipeline became a contentious issue due to protests led by environmental groups and the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, who argued the project posed threats to water supplies and tribal lands. 

In December 2016, the Army Corps of Engineers denied an easement for construction under Lake Oahe in North Dakota, halting the project.

Trump’s memorandum stated, “I believe that construction and operation of lawfully permitted pipeline infrastructure serve the national interest.” 

It directed federal agencies to prioritize and accelerate the review process for the pipeline and similar infrastructure projects.

The signing was one of several early actions by the Trump administration to promote domestic energy production and streamline infrastructure projects. 

Trump also emphasized reducing regulatory barriers, saying, “We are going to renegotiate some of the terms, and if they’d like, we’ll see if we can get that pipeline built.”

The Dakota Access Pipeline was completed and began operations in June 2017, but protests and legal challenges have continued since its completion.