Committee on Health and Environmental Protection
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The ArrrV^Corps of Engineers has granted the Energy Transfer Partners crude oil company permission to begin construction ofthe Dakota Access pipeline using a controversial fast-tracking process called "Nationwide Permit 12" which allows construction to occur on private property or Native American lands with little environmental review and no meaningful public input; and
WHEREAS, The Standing Rock Sioux Indian Tribe is directly affected by this construction as it would disturb sacred burial grounds and potentially contaminate the only source of fresh water for the tribe; and
WHEREAS, The Dakota Access pipeline would carry nearly a half-million barrels of crude oil daily from North Dakota's oil fields through South Dakota and Iowa to an existing pipeline in Patoka, Illinois; and
WHEREAS, If the Dakota Access pipeline where to rupture it could pollute the local drinking water, including Lake Oahe and the Missouri River; and
WHEREAS, on September 9, 2016 the administration of President Barack Obama took action to temporarily halt the construction of the Dakota Access pipeline;
WHEREAS, The Standing Rock Sioux Indian Tribe is demanding a permanent halt on construction of the Dakota Access pipeline; and
WHEREAS, The human rights of Native Americans need to be respected, whether it be the right to clean water, the right to worship, or the right to land; and
WHEREAS, As a society we must begin to lessen our dependence on fossil fuels and move towards renewable energy resources; and
WHEREAS, As a nation we need to take every precaution possible to ensure that our environment and natural resources such as fresh water are protected; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members ofthe Chicago City Council, stand in solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Tribe of North Dakota, support their right to engage in peaceful protest, and support the Obama administration's action...
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