# data[].attributes.body
The Dakota XL or Dakota Access Pipeline is an oil pipeline that will stretch 1,172 miles and across 4 states. The pipeline is estimated to carry 470,000 barrels of oil a day from the oil enriched Bakken Formation to Illinois. In theory the pipeline is also safer than hauling oil in trucks or trains. The pipeline was funded and built by Energy Transfer Partners and the Army Corp of engineers. The ambitious, 3.7 billion dollar pipeline is almost entirely underground and it would join the already 2.6 million miles of pipelines in the US. The pipeline signifies the end of US reliance on foreign oil and will result in billions of dollars in profit.

# data[].attributes.body
A project of this magnitude involving a material as valuable, and hazardous, as oil will always bring controversy. It stretches through North and South Dakota, Iowa,  and Illinois. The Dakota pipeline will connect with pipelines in Canada and Illinois as well. The fight for, and against, the pipeline have been hard fought. From the pipeline's very inception protesters have been a constant. Most of these protesters are Native Americans from the Sioux Tribe. They have also aligned with environmental activists. Police and protester clashes have resulted in countless arrests. Central government figures including Obama and Trump have been central in this topic. Despite protests, it seems the rich will continue to become richer and normal, everyday people will continue to be unheard.

# data[].attributes.headline
What are Issues Surrounding the Pipeline?

# data[].attributes.subject
What are Issues Surrounding the Pipeline?

# data[].attributes.body
Oil is an essential, but also harmful natural resource. People who allowed their land to be developed on were paid fairly, however issues arise from the people who did not agree. Members of the Sioux Tribe and activists believe that in the event of a spill underneath the Missouri River the effects would be catastrophic for the ecosystem as well as the over 18 million people downstream. While the pipeline has not had any substantial leaks and around the clock observation, already a few gallons of oil have reportedly leaked. Leaders of the Sioux are also angry about their "militant" treatment by police, tribal burial grounds being defaced, and their opinions not fairly being heard. The full impact the pipeline could have has not been fully explored and many legal complaints by the Sioux have been dismissed in court. The pipeline has exposed old wounds from years of discrimination and unfair treatment by whites.

# data[].attributes.body
The two main viewpoints on the pipeline are very simple: preservation and money. As with many issues there is always a grey area, very few people see the project this way. After awhile of protests and clashes, Obama and his administration halted the pipeline to see the possible effects it could have before continuing. Almost immediately after Trump was elected, the pipeline was slated to continue construction, overturning Obama's decision. It could be argued that this was due to Trump having stock invested in Energy Transfer Partners. As with many environmental issues, it seems making money now is more important than ensuring a good standard of life for your descendants, as the project nears completion.

# data[].attributes.body
Many activists opposed to the pipeline are protesters actively resisting police and supporters of the project. These protesters are mostly members of the Sioux Tribe and environmentalists against the use of fossil fuels. However a majority of activists protest online. They range from high school students to hardcore environmentalists that have opposed projects like the Dakota Pipeline almost their whole lives. Their concerns range from unfair treatment and disrespect to what could happen if a disastrous leak happened to even oil's affect on climate change. Whatever people oppose about the project, it has been apart of the trend of internet activism. While bots could be used or points may not be taken seriously by those they are protesting against, internet activism has given people a strong voice. Millions of people can support a protest almost overnight because of the push of a button. Internet activism has been used in recent protests against police brutality, abortion rights, and LGBT rights. They have all given people a voice against the 1%.

# data[].attributes.body
With all issues there is always a grey area. I find myself in the grey area. There are many benefits, but with those benefits come drawbacks. The project has produced thousands of jobs and it will bring money into the states it extends across. However I believe the possible cost of the project outweighs all the benefits. While the pipeline signifies US independence on oil, it also signifies that fossil fuels are here to stay. 3.7 billion dollars were spent on a pipeline instead of put into cleaner, green energy. The US government once again took advantage of a group of people who were on the continent well before whites were. Police also employed scare tactics on mostly older individuals that for the most part posed no threat to their safety. Something I know too well. Along with terrible ethics, the project also did not follow proper procedures. The full extent of possible problems was not fully explored, as President Trump let the project continue before research was completed. Maybe the pipeline will never break and bring billions of dollars worth of oil into the US economy, however if it does burst it will have catastrophic effects on the millions of people downstream. Any time oil is involved there are risks. The risks and possible costs outweigh the benefits to me. To me, money is not more important than once again making a minority a doormat, and stepping all over them.