‘Monumental victory’: DAPL rerouting decision hailed by social media
Following the US Army Corps of Engineers’ decision to deny permission for the Dakota Access Pipeline to cross Lake Oahe, water protesters and supporters are celebrating on social media.
READ MORE: DAPL protesters proclaim victory as pipeline forced to change route
The UK branch of Amnesty International described Sunday’s announcement as a “monumental victory for Indigenous people,” while Greenpeace said it was thanks to the “dedication & perseverance” of water protectors.
A monumental victory for Indigenous people on halting #DAPL. The world is now watching #StandingRock and so are we https://t.co/5u2Sh1ptvOpic.twitter.com/ypuM6x1Jl8
— Amnesty UK (@AmnestyUK) December 5, 2016
HUGE WIN! The DAPL has been halted thanks to the Water Protectors' dedication & perseverance >> https://t.co/CBU2VnJnKC#NoDAPLpic.twitter.com/tekZwmVXqX
— Greenpeace UK (@GreenpeaceUK) December 5, 2016
I just read that the DAPL has been blocked and forced to re-route away from the standing rock tribe. I literally cried. It's beautiful news.
— It's Kara (@KaraTheTexan) December 5, 2016
The rerouting of the #DAPL has to be one of the biggest victories for environmental activism and Native Americans in a while tbh
— OG (@oghosdidi) December 5, 2016
I appreciate @POTUS listening to the Native American people and millions of others who believe this pipeline should not be built. https://t.co/R0aS4i50Bo
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) December 4, 2016
From the involvement of veterans to the drone footage which helped spread awareness, people gave thanks to all who worked to stop the pipeline.
Thank you #POTUS#NoDAPL#DAPL#standingrockpic.twitter.com/kWIXUr29cQ
— Jammer (@JammerStL) December 5, 2016
Thank you to our eyes in the skies that saved lives! If we didn't have drones, no one would know the truth about #DAPL#1stAmendment#Heroes
— Max Carver (@maxcarver) December 5, 2016
Thank you brave Water Protectors.
— Fight Climate Denial (@fightdenial) December 5, 2016
Thank you valiant veterans.
Thank you political leaders (too few).
Thank you!#StandWithStandingRockpic.twitter.com/Sazk54USNg
Some were surprised that the government had come through for the protesters.
Me: great news the Army Corps of Engineers denied DAPL's easement!!!
— Neasa Seneca (@rezdreams) December 5, 2016
Me to me: I didn't know you could trust the government pic.twitter.com/gfsDsfbm5D
I'm surprised it took 3 months for the government to realize that there is no justification for the #DAPL. Now is a time to celebrate
— Keagan White (@keaganwhite16) December 5, 2016
Me too, cuz the veterans' support is the only reason why the government & media FINALLY took interest. #DAPLhttps://t.co/3okIDGjDvR
— Asylum Runaway (@Sawnia_M) December 5, 2016
"Brave, and historic" decision of @USArmy that affirms historic and resolute stance of #Sioux and other peoples on #DAPL#noaccess...! pic.twitter.com/fVhWzMKotV
— Christine M. Chan (@ChristineMCNA) December 5, 2016
Not everyone was celebrating, as some Twitter users used the hashtags to criticize the protesters.
Congratulations to all of the #DAPL "protestors". You learned what every 3-year old knows. If you cry & whine loud enough you get your way
— Wien (@Red_Ranger_Wien) December 5, 2016
Republican Speaker of the House Paul Ryan also wasn’t happy about the decision, describing it as “big-government decision-making at its worst."
This is big-government decision-making at its worst. I look forward to putting this anti-energy presidency behind us. https://t.co/Qu0nFTmGZv
— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) December 5, 2016
While acknowledging the “win,” some noted that the decision to reroute the pipeline doesn’t mean the protests will end. Others warned President-elect Donald Trump could give the pipeline the go ahead once he enters the White House.
@clo329@marcylauren unfortunately this will be temporary til Trump is president - will approve the DAPL & the Keystone XL. #trumpsamerica
— MereHut (@merehut) December 4, 2016
U know they're convinced if they complete DAPL, even if against the law, once Trump's in office he'll authorize it & they go forward making$
— crystalmyth (@crystalmyth) December 5, 2016
#DAPL I hope this victory helps stop Keystone XL from becoming a reality in America- I dont want an oil pipeline in beautiful Missouri
— notnikko (@notnikkogianino) December 5, 2016
Some were also concerned about the alternative route the pipeline would now have to take.
Surely they will just find another route for the pipeline? If not under Obama, then with Trump. @robintransition#DAPL#NoDAPLhttps://t.co/zReuYMDNqU
— Ben C42 (@BenC42) December 5, 2016
How is this a victory? Some other poor communities with have to suffer so this is not a victory. Making DAPL disappear is a victory #NoDAPLhttps://t.co/Qjtu4fBQyJ
— ImplodingEmpire (@JabbertJ) December 5, 2016
Journalist Ken Klippenstein took the opportunity to draw attention to the many politicians who failed to take a stand against the pipeline.
Here's a thread on the most prominent Democrats who were twitter silent about Dakota Access. (GOP silence goes without saying.) #DAPL
— Ken Klippenstein (@kenklippenstein) December 4, 2016
Here's @MichelleObama on the Dakota Access pipeline: #DAPLpic.twitter.com/JVVdUilnks
— Ken Klippenstein (@kenklippenstein) December 5, 2016
From Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton, to Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren and others, politicians’ silence on the issue was conspicuous.
Here's Hillary Clinton on Dakota Access.#DAPLpic.twitter.com/EfhKIE0jED
— Ken Klippenstein (@kenklippenstein) December 4, 2016
Here's Elizabeth Warren on Dakota Access. #DAPLpic.twitter.com/AVqgRGGM2H
— Ken Klippenstein (@kenklippenstein) December 4, 2016
Native Americans matter. Their voices matter. Their land matters. It's time for the United States government to recognize that. #DAPL
— Martin Manchev (@mrmanchev) December 5, 2016
As for the companies behind the pipeline, Energy Transfer Partners and Sunoco Logistics, the Army Corps announcement hasn’t put an end to their plans to route the tunnel under the Missouri River.
Describing the Obama Administration’s statement as a “purely political action,” the companies made it clear they intend to carry on. “As stated all along, ETP and SXL are fully committed to ensuring that this vital project is brought to completion and fully expect to complete construction of the pipeline without any additional rerouting in and around Lake Oahe,” Energy Transfer Partners said in a statement. “Nothing this Administration has done today changes that in any way."
Energy Transfer Partners & Sunoco remain "fully committed" to finishing #DAPL despite Army Corp ruling https://t.co/slppYdaSR6#NoDAPLpic.twitter.com/5xAazc1qWk
— Unicorn Riot (@UR_Ninja) December 5, 2016
The question now is whether the government will actually step in and prevent #DAPL from drilling...
— Diana Bowers Smith (@infomartian) December 5, 2016
