After months of protest, federal officials say they will not grant permits for the controversial Dakota Access oil pipeline to move forward. Yesterday, the Army Corps of Engineers said it would review alternate routes for the 1,100-mile long project.
The news prompted cheers among demonstrators gathered near the Standing Rock reservation.
"I feel like that was a profound moment that will stick with me," said Anderson Gould, a Marine veteran and Navajo, who left his home in San Clemente, California to make the long trip to join the encampment. He arrived Sunday and, later that same day, joined in a celebration as the news came in of the Army's decision.
Still, he said, many people at the camp vowed to remain until the pipeline is permanently stopped.
"We still feel a need to stand up, play our part and make a stand," he said.
Since April, thousands of demonstrators have been camping at the proposed site – expressing their concerns about protecting the Missouri River and sacred burial sites near the pipeline's route. They believe the pipeline threatens the Missouri River, a vital source of water for residents.
"Although we have had continuing discussion and exchanges of new information with the Standing Rock Sioux and Dakota Access, it's clear that there's more work to do," said Jo-Ellen Darcy, the Army's Assistant Secretary for Civil Works, in a statement. "The best way to complete that work responsibly and expeditiously is to explore alternate routes for the pipeline crossing."
The company behind the pipeline, Energy Transfer Partners, said it still plans to go forward with construction without changing the route, calling the Army Corps decision a "political" move from the White House.
To listen to the full interview with Take Two's Alex Cohen, click on the blue media player. This post has been updated to include additional photos provided by Anderson Gould, Jr.