Federal Government Owed $28 Million for Pipeline Protest Costs
Following a multiyear legal battle, a federal judge awarded North Dakota nearly $28 million in damages for its response to the 2016-2017 Dakota Access Pipeline protests. The ruling held the U.S. government liable for failing to follow mandated procedures, resulting in significant costs to the state for policing the extensive demonstrations. The judge’s decision emphasized the federal government’s responsibility in maintaining peace and order. This award partially offsets the state’s expenses, which included law enforcement costs and cleanup efforts, after accounting for prior donations and grants. The pipeline, despite ongoing legal and environmental reviews, remains operational.
John Q. Hosedrinker