02.15.24

Hoeven Statement as North Dakota’s DAPL Protest Damages Lawsuit Trial Begins

BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement as the trial begins in the State of North Dakota’s lawsuit against the federal government for damages from the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) protests. The state is seeking $38 million to cover its emergency response costs resulting from the federal government negligence during the protests. This comes in addition to the $10 million that Hoeven secured in 2017 as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee to help reimburse the state.

          “North Dakota’s lawsuit is about helping to ensure accountability for the federal government,” said Hoeven. “By refusing to enforce the law and properly police illegal activity on federal lands, the federal government allowed significant costs to the state that are beyond the $10 million that we secured to reimburse the state. We are hopeful that this trial will lead to accountability for the federal officials who neglected their responsibilities during the DAPL protests.” 

          Hoeven has been working to provide certainty for DAPL’s operations, which are critical to North Dakota and the Three Affiliated Tribes’ energy industry. The senator has repeatedly pressed U.S. Army Corps officials to complete the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process as quickly as possible, with the draft EIS having been issued in September. Hoeven also worked to ensure DAPL’s continued operation while the Corps completes the court-ordered review.

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