Move comes after Energy Transfer Partners was denied a key permit to drill under the Missouri river, and as Standing Rock leader urges protesters to go home
Energy Transfer Partners, the company behind the Dakota Access pipeline, has responded to the Army Corps of Engineers’ denial of a key permit by asking a federal judge to allow it to drill under the Missouri river immediately.
The court filing came as thousands of activists remained at the Standing Rock encampments, despite being buffeted by a blizzard and a plea from a tribal council leader for them to return home.
Related: The light from Standing Rock: beautiful struggle shows the power of protest
Related: Dakota Access pipeline: the who, what and why of the Standing Rock protests