ND governor says pipeline company 'abdicated' role in defending project

FARGO — Gov. Jack Dalrymple said North Dakota finds itself "outgunned" in countering a "social media machine" manipulated by national environmental groups while the company behind the Dakota Access Pipeline has "abdicated" its responsibility to defend the controversial project.

Dalrymple also said in a meeting Thursday, Dec. 8, the sprawling protest presence near Cannon Ball, N.D., operates outside the control of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and it is difficult for officials to identify a clear leader in the shape-shifting movement.

In a wide-ranging conversation about the state's difficulties in dealing with the ongoing protest, Dalrymple expressed frustration that the company building Dakota Access Pipeline, Energy Transfer Partners, has not been vocal in making the case for the project in the public debate.

http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/4176364-nd-governor-says-pipeline-company-abdicated-role-defending-project