Udall: Trump Should Make Good on Federal Government's Promise to Tribes Protesting Dakota Access Pipeline

Trump decision to begin construction on pipeline 'deeply disrespectful' to Tribal treaty rights and status

WASHINGTON -- Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement in support of Tribal members and other opponents of the Dakota Access Pipeline:

"This reckless decision is deeply disrespectful and dismissive of the Tribes' treaty rights and status. Thousands of protesters, including Tribal members from throughout New Mexico, have braved violence and difficult conditions to voice their opposition to this pipeline. President Obama was right to hear their concerns and begin a review process that included working with the affected Tribes and conducting a thorough environmental review. President Trump's administration is now reneging on the federal government's promises to Tribes. And he is showing the American people that profits are more important than the national interest, the environment, and the legitimate concerns of Native American communities. This is especially egregious given President Trump's past investment in the company building the pipeline.

"We need to work to bring the country together, but this abrupt decision will deepen the divide. I stand with the Standing Rock Sioux, the Cheyenne River Sioux, and New Mexicans and Americans from across the nation who know that water is life. And I urge the Trump administration to reverse this decision and make good on the federal government's responsibility to address the Tribal concerns about the sanctity of the water they rely on."