Environment | National | Politics

Fort Peck Tribes seek Keystone XL reroute to protect water supply

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Opposition to the Keystone XL Pipeline. Photo: Joe Brusky

The controversial Keystone XL Pipeline is back on Indian Country's radar thanks to Republican President Donald Trump.

Four days after taking office, Trump issued a memorandum that invited the Canadian-based developer to renew its permit for the project. That has leaders of the Fort Peck Tribes concerned about impacts on the water supply in Montana.

The tribe has asked TransCanada to consider rerouting the pipeline to avoid a water intake near the Missouri River, The Glasgow Courier reported. Three alternatives are being proposed, the paper said.

TransCanada has taken Trump up on his invitation and submitted its application on January 16, according to a press release. The 1,179-mile route crosses several states and through tribal treaty territories.

Read More on the Story:
Tribes Seek Reroute of Keystone, DAPL Back in Court (The Glasgow Courier 4/1)

White House Documents:
Presidential Memorandum Regarding Construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline (January 24, 2017)
Presidential Memorandum Regarding Construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline (January 24, 2017)
Executive Order Expediting Environmental Reviews and Approvals For High Priority Infrastructure Projects (January 24, 2017)
Presidential Memorandum Regarding Construction of American Pipelines (January 24, 2017)
Presidential Memorandum Streamlining Permitting and Reducing Regulatory Burdens for Domestic Manufacturing (January 24, 2017)
Press Release: President Trump Takes Action to Expedite Priority Enery and Infrastructure Projects (January 24, 2017)