The biggest trial you likely have never heard of will finally start Thursday. North Dakota v. United States will begin nearly eight years after the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) protests broke out.
North Dakota sued under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), which allows individuals and states to sue the federal government for monetary damages attributed to its negligent or wrongful actions. Just like you can sue your neighbor if their houseguests destroy your yard, North Dakota sued for damages incurred by DAPL protesters.
North Dakota will finally have its day in court as it seeks reimbursement for the massive expense of more than $38 million from the federal government’s refusal to contain protests or assist with law enforcement.
Between 2014 and 2017, Energy Transfer Partners moved through the requisite permitting processes for its Dakota Access Pipeline. This included multiple opportunities for public engagement, site examinations and tribal consultations.
DRAFT REVIEW LEAVES FUTURE OF DAKOTA ACCESS PIPELINE RIVER CROSSING UNCLEAR
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