Yakima protest over Dakota pipeline planned today

Protests are planned around the country today against the controversial Dakota Access Pipeline, including an event downtown Yakima.

Many of the protests are targeting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which provided the initial approval of the $3.8 billion project over the opposition of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, which says the 1,100-mile pipeline will destroy sacred sites and could pollute their water supply.

Thousands of people from across the country have joined the Standing Rock Sioux in North Dakota to oppose the pipeline in recent months, protests which have at times been met with violent opposition from local law enforcement.

On Monday, the Corps announced that it is seeking further environmental review for an easement for the project on Corps land and plans to consult with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.

In a news release, the chairman of the Standing Rock Sioux said that the decision to seek further review is encouraging.

“Not all of our prayers were answered, but this time, they were heard,” said Tribal Chair Dave Archambault II in a statement. “We call on all water protectors, as we have from the beginning, to join our voices in prayer and to share our opposition to this pipeline peacefully. The whole world is watching and where they see prayerful, peaceful resistance, they join us.”

The “Yakima stands with Standing Rock” protest was planned for 9 a.m. outside the downtown Wells Fargo.