BISMARCK 鈥� Aaron Rodgers. Jane Fonda. Don Cheadle. Kerry Washington. Dave Matthews. Robert Downey Jr.
These celebrities are among those calling on President Joe Biden to shut down the Dakota Access pipeline.
ADVERTISEMENT
In a letter released Monday, Feb. 8, more than 200 climate activists, Indigenous leaders and celebrities urged the Biden administration to shut down the Dakota Access Pipeline during a court-ordered environmental review of its effects on the land near the Standing Rock Reservation.
On Wednesday, Feb. 10, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will appear in court and decide whether the pipeline can continue to operate while the environmental review is in progress.
, a project given the go-ahead by former President Donald Trump. The coalition of people calling for DAPL's shutdown are hoping Biden will act in a similar fashion.
"As your Administration takes action to address the climate crisis and strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities, we respectfully urge you to reverse another harmful Trump Administration decision and immediately shut down the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) during its court-ordered environmental review," the letter states.
DAPL is on land with cultural significance for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and the risk of an oil spill could compromise the tribal nation's water supply, the tribal nation says.
Some of the celebrities who signed the letter include several cast members of "The Avengers," as well as Leonardo DiCaprio, Shailene Woodley, Sarah Silverman, Josh Gad and Jason Momoa, among others.
The list also includes multiple climate change organizations like the Indigenous Environmental Network, Natural Resources Defense Council and IllumiNative.
ADVERTISEMENT
The letter was released in advance of a 93-mile run that will occur on the Standing Rock Reservation on Tuesday, Feb. 9, in an effort to bring nationwide attention to the issue and put pressure on the Biden administration.
"With your leadership, we have a momentous opportunity to protect our water and respect our environmental laws and the rights of Indigenous people. This is our moment," the letter states.
Readers can reach Forum News Service reporter Michelle Griffith, a Report for America corps member, at mgriffith@forumcomm.com.
by on Scribd
