Rep. Ruiz & Grijalva Request Oversight Hearing to Discuss Tribal Consultation in Dakota Access Pipeline Development Process

WASHINGTON– On Tuesday, following a visit to the proposed site of the Dakota Access Pipeline, Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-3) and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) called for a hearing in the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs to provide oversight as to whether or not federal agencies followed policies regarding preservation of sacred sites and meaningful tribal consultation for development on or near tribal land. Ranking Member Grijalva and Dr. Ruiz issued the following statements:

“Tribes have the right to self-determination and the right to have a say in decisions that impact their health, sacred lands, and cultural preservation. I am calling for an oversight hearing regarding federal agencies’ compliance with policies that require protection of sacred sites and meaningful tribal consultation prior to decisions that could put their health and environment in jeopardy. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe deserves the respect of due process,” said Dr. Ruiz.

http://nativenewsonline.net/currents/rep-ruiz-grijalva-request-oversight-hearing-discuss-tribal-consultation-dakota-access-pipeline-development-process/