North Dakota awarded $28 million for DAPL protest damages

A federal judge has ruled that the state of North Dakota is entitled to nearly $28 million in damages from the U.S. government for emergency response costs during the 2016 and 2017 Dakota Access Pipeline protests. The court found the federal government, specifically the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, liable for failing to follow mandatory procedures, resulting in financial harm to the state. The protests, led by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, drew thousands of demonstrators and gained international attention due to concerns over environmental risks and impacts on Indigenous land and cultural sites. North Dakota initially sought $38 million, citing significant expenses incurred while policing the sometimes-violent protests, which led to hundreds of arrests. State officials and senators hailed the ruling as a major victory for taxpayers and the rule of law, emphasizing the federal government's responsibility in maintaining order. The decision marks a historic moment as it is the first time a court has ruled in favor of a state against the federal government in such a trial.