Sen. John Hoeven: Dakota Access Delay “Needlessly Putting People at Risk”

North Dakota Senator John Hoeven responded to critics of the Dakota Access Pipeline Wednesday in a fact-filled Senate floor speech that addressed both the need for an easement to be issued and ongoing protest activity. Hoeven said that President Obama’s inaction has “needlessly” put others at risk, including pipeline workers and protesters themselves.

Hoeven ended his 18-minute speech by again urging the Army Corps of Engineers to follow the rule of law and issue the final easement needed to complete the multi-billion dollar project.

“In accordance with the findings of the Army Corps of Engineers’ Environmental Assessment and the court decisions, the Army Corps needs to follow established legal and regulatory criteria and approve the final easement so that the construction can be completed.”