WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement on the U.S. government's order to pause part of the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline and invite Tribes to a formal government-to-government consultation:
"After the disturbing use of violence to control protesters in North Dakota, I'm pleased that the administration has halted part of the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline and committed to deploy federal resources to ensure Tribal members may exercise their free speech rights. I hope the company will honor that request while a reevaluation occurs and commit to respecting the rights of Tribal members and others to peacefully protest. It's unfortunate that it took violence and the endangerment of sacred burial grounds to get to this point. I also welcome the administration's decision to invite Tribes to a formal government-to-government consultation about steps that can be taken to protect sacred lands, resources and treaty rights. Our nation has a long and terrible history of environmental and cultural injustices against Native Americans. As the senator representing 23 sovereign Tribes and a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, I believe a formal conversation is long past due. I will continue working to ensure we keep our promise to Native communities to include them as meaningful participants in the planning of projects that affect Tribal lands and livelihood."
