The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, tonight welcomed a decision by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to deny an easement for the controversial Dakota Access Pipeline to cross Lake Oahe, a Corps reservoir on the Missouri River. That easement covered the only remaining contested portion of the pipeline.
Members of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe and their supporters have protested the project as a violation of their sacred land and of the environment.
SEE: Army Blocks Drilling of Dakota Access Oil Pipeline
CAIR’s Minnesota director, along with other Islamic leaders, recently joined the protest to demonstrate the American Muslim community’s solidarity with those opposed to the pipeline’s route.
Video: CAIR Shows Support for Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Opposition to Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL)
In a statement reacting to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ decision, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said:
“We welcome the decision of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to deny the easement and hope this means that sacred sites and the environment will be protected and preserved. American Muslims will continue to stand in solidarity with Native Americans by respecting their culture, heritage and lands. We urge President-elect Trump to abide by this decision when he takes office.”