The Oglala Sioux Nation has declared opposition to plans for the Keystone XL gas pipeline project unless the US government can agree to certain conditions set by the Nation. Tribal president John Yellowbird Steele, brought his concerns to light at a meeting with federal and corporate representatives on September 27th. The proposed pipeline would cross the Ogallala Aquifer, spanning eight states and supplying drinking water to two milion people. It also crosses through Sioux national territories, meaning that the government is legally bound to consult with the Nation before beginning construction. Yellowbird demanded that the pipeline be laid at sufficient depths so as to mitigate the damages of potential spill on the aquifer, as well as a management plan from the government “that will ensure protection of the land, water, and Native American cultural resources and sacred sites within the Sioux Nation’s national boundaries.”
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