North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum issued a statement in response to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' release of the draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) regarding the easement for the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) crossing at Lake Oahe.
The governor emphasized the significant role the Dakota Access Pipeline has played in safely transporting over half a million barrels of oil daily from North Dakota. He highlighted its contributions to enhancing national energy security, boosting revenues for the state, local communities, and mineral owners, and improving safety by reducing the need for thousands of tanker trucks and railcars.
Governor Burgum expressed concern over the DEIS, which includes three alternatives to potentially shut down the Dakota Access Pipeline, arguing it would be unacceptable and forcing oil transportation onto more costly, less safe, and environmentally friendly modes. He called for the Army Corps of Engineers to reaffirm the existing easement under Alternative 3.
Governor Burgum criticizes the unnecessary and costly process of the Corps and urges it to prevent the administration from continuing a "war on American energy," fearing it could empower foreign dictators and threaten national security.
The Dakota Access Pipeline's future remains uncertain due to stakeholder evaluation of the draft environmental impact statement, with Governor Burgum emphasizing the importance of maintaining this vital energy transportation infrastructure.
Photo Credit: flickr-maureen
Categories: North Dakota, Government & Policy