The Latest: North Dakota delegation praises pipeline notice

BISMARCK, N.D. – The Latest on the Dakota Access pipeline being built to carry oil from North Dakota to Illinois (all times local):

3:45 p.m.

North Dakota’s congressional delegation is welcoming the Army’s announcement that it will clear the way for completion of the Dakota Access oil pipeline.

The Army said Tuesday that it will allow the pipeline to cross under a Missouri River reservoir in North Dakota, the final big chunk of work on the project.

Republican Rep. Kevin Cramer says the move comes after months of unnecessary delay. Republican Sen. John Hoeven says the pipeline will serve the nation’s need for new energy infrastructure and is being built with “the latest safeguards.”

Democratic Sen. Heidi Heitkamp says the Army’s announcement brings the pipeline conflict one step closer to resolution. She says it “delivers the certainty and clarity” she’s been demanding.

The pipeline has been the target of months of protests by the Standing Rock Sioux, who say it threatens drinking water.

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3:20 p.m.

The Standing Rock Sioux tribe is promising a legal battle after the Army said it’s clearing the way for completion of the Dakota Access oil pipeline.

Tribal attorney Jan (yahn) Hasselman says the government “will be held accountable in court.” He says the specifics of the tribe’s challenge are being worked out.

The Army said Tuesday that it will allow the $3.8 billion pipeline to cross under a Missouri River reservoir in North Dakota. That’s the final big chunk of work on the pipeline that will move oil from North Dakota through the Dakotas and Iowa to a shipping point in Illinois.

The Standing Rock Sioux worries a pipeline leak could pollute its drinking water. Hasselman says other routes should be considered.

Dallas-based developer Energy Transfer Partners says the pipeline is safe.

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2:51 p.m.

The Army has notified Congress that it will allow the $3.8 billion Dakota Access pipeline to cross under a Missouri River reservoir in North Dakota, completing the four-state project to move North Dakota oil to Illinois.

The Justice Department filed court documents Tuesday including letters to members of Congress from Deputy Assistant Army Secretary Paul Cramer. The Army intends to allow the crossing under Lake Oahe (oh-AH’-hee) as early as Wednesday.

The crossing is the final big chunk of work on the pipeline.

The Standing Rock Sioux tribe worries a pipeline leak could pollute drinking water. It’s promised to continue legal challenges.

Dallas-based pipeline developer Energy Transfer Partners says the pipeline is safe.