Arr! The Obama crew pleased the climate scallywags in North Dakota, now they face the reckoning!
2024-02-15
Arr, me hearties! North Dakota be settin' sail fer the court, demandin' a hefty booty o' $38 million from the scurvy federal government fer not keepin' them protests in check or lendin' a hand with law enforcement. 'Tis high time the landlubbers pay their due!
The trial of North Dakota v. United States, also known as the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) trial, is finally set to begin after almost eight years since the protests began. North Dakota is suing the federal government under the Federal Tort Claims Act for damages caused by the DAPL protesters. The state seeks reimbursement of over $38 million due to the government's refusal to contain the protests or assist with law enforcement. Energy Transfer Partners went through the necessary permitting processes for the pipeline, including public engagement and tribal consultations. The North Dakota Public Service Commission issued permits for the route, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued an easement for the pipeline to cross the Oahe Reservoir. However, some individuals trespassed on federal land to protest the pipeline. The case is not about whether the pipeline should continue operating but rather about holding the federal government accountable for its accommodation of destruction in North Dakota. The Obama administration's political maneuvering, including extending the review process, is criticized for enabling the protests. The protests escalated from peaceful gatherings to destructive actions, including violence against police, theft, and destruction of property. North Dakota had to rely on law enforcement from 11 other states to manage the protests. The federal government's neglect to enforce standard permitting procedures and failure to assist law enforcement are highlighted as examples of corruption and political expediency. North Dakota's lawsuit seeks to challenge the federal government's abuse of power and hold it accountable. While states have seldom prevailed against the federal government in such cases, North Dakota's fight may shed light on the government's wrongdoing and lead to a groundbreaking victory.