The Trump administration issued a final U.S. Army Corps of Engineers environmental review recommending the Dakota Access pipeline remain in operation, while imposing additional safety and monitoring conditions. The pipeline, which runs from North Dakota to Illinois, was approved in 2017 but was subject to a 2020 court-ordered re-evaluation. New requirements include alternative drinking water plans, upgraded leak-detection systems as technology improves, and twice-yearly water sampling. A final decision is expected in 30 or more days.
Trump Administration Backs Continued Operation of Dakota Access Pipeline With New Safety Conditions
The Trump administration on Friday signaled it will allow the Dakota Access pipeline to keep operating, issuing a final environmental review that recommends oil continue to flow while imposing new safety and monitoring requirements.
Final Environmental Review and Requirements
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released a final environmental impact statement recommending continued operation of the pipeline, which transports crude oil from North Dakota to Illinois. The report attaches additional stipulations intended to reduce the risks of spills and better protect nearby drinking water sources.
Under the new conditions, Dakota Access LLC must:
- Develop and maintain plans to provide alternative drinking water supplies to affected communities in the event of a spill;
- Adopt improved leak-detection systems as new technology becomes available;
- Conduct water sampling twice per year to monitor potential contamination;
- Implement other mitigation measures required by the Corps to minimize environmental impacts.
Background
The pipeline was approved in 2017, but a federal court in 2020 ordered a second look at its environmental impacts. In response to that court order, the Biden administration issued a 2023 draft report outlining three potential outcomes: revoke the permit, allow the pipeline to remain in place, or allow continued operation with new conditions. The Biden team did not finalize the review, leaving the ultimate decision to the current administration.
Next Steps and Reactions
Friday’s report is described as the penultimate procedural step. The administration could issue a final decision in 30 or more days; officials are expected to follow the report's recommendation to allow continued operation under the new conditions.
Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) said the pipeline has been safe during its years of operation and criticized earlier delays as politically driven. Opponents, including leaders of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, continue to warn that any spill could threaten tribal water supplies and local ecosystems.
The decision balances the administration's view that the pipeline provides reliable access to domestically produced oil with ongoing concerns from tribal leaders and environmental advocates about the long-term risks to drinking water and riverine habitats.
Who Is Affected: Nearby communities and the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe; pipeline operators and customers relying on the route from North Dakota to Illinois; federal regulators monitoring compliance.
