BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Environmental groups are criticizing an Army decision to end study of a disputed Dakota Access pipeline river crossing and clear the way for completion of the $3.8 billion project to move North Dakota oil to Illinois.
The Army notified Congress on Tuesday that it will allow the pipeline to cross under the Missouri River in North Dakota, the last big chunk of construction. Approval could come as early as Wednesday. The pipeline is to run to a storage facility in Patoka, Illinois.
The Sierra Club, Greenpeace and the Center for Biological Diversity issued statements saying President Donald Trump’s administration is putting corporate profits ahead of Native Americans and the environment.
The Standing Rock Sioux tribe worries a pipeline leak could pollute its drinking water and has promised to fight completion of the project in court.
Dallas-based pipeline developer Energy Transfer Partners says the pipeline is safe.