Government Delays Pipeline Settlement Following Tribe Complaint

The federal government has agreed to postpone final approval of a multi-million-dollar settlement with Canadian pipeline giant Enbridge, Inc., a move that will allow time for a Native American tribe from the northeast shore of Lake Michigan to protest terms of the agreement.

In the wake of objections to the settlement by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, and a pledge by the Obama administration to be more sensitive to Native American concerns, the U.S. Department of Justice has extended the deadline for comments on the $177 million settlement until Oct. 23.

The tribe contends it was not consulted on a key part of the deal with Enbridge that affects a 180-year-old treaty they say gives them some say over the Straits of Mackinac. The pipeline in dispute, Enbridge's Line 5, runs under the straits.

https://insideclimatenews.org/news/16092016/native-american-tribe-wins-delay-enbridge-pipeline-settlement-dakota-access