Resolution 35 of 2016

SALT LAKE CITY CORPORATION

RESOLUTION NO. 35 OF 2016

JOINT RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE
STANDING ROCK SIOUX TRIBE’S OPPOSITION TO
DAKOTA ACCESS PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION

Whereas, the proposed Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) will run through the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s historic land carrying approximately 450,000 barrels of crude oil per day across important bodies of water, threatening agricultural, irrigation, and drinking water throughout the Midwest. The DAPL could also negatively impact, through its construction and possible ruptures, the Tribe’s treaty resources, ancestral lands, natural resources, and sacred sites; and

Whereas, absent full federal, cultural, and historical reviews under the National Historic Preservation Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Rivers and Harbors Act, the Standing Rock Tribe and other Native communities in this region may suffer cultural, economic, and environmental hardship if the DAPL is constructed on its historic lands; and

Whereas, Salt Lake City rests on historic indigenous lands and has 2,300 Native American citizens and an additional 30,000 indigenous people who live along the Wasatch Front and throughout Utah from more than 300 tribes; and

WHEREAS, Salt Lake City acknowledges in the Climate Change Joint Resolution its responsibility for addressing climate change, the risk of expanding fossil fuel infrastructure, and the importance of forging a path forward that protects our economies, societies, and overall well-being; and

Whereas, we are concerned about the handling of tense situations and the treatment of protesters; and

WHEREAS, Salt Lake City residents have come together to show support for those at Standing Rock and bring awareness of this issue.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED

The Salt Lake City Council and Mayor of Salt Lake City support the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s opposition to construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) across its ancestral lands, waters, and sacred sites.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED

Salt Lake City recognizes the unique, sovereign relationship between Tribal Nations and the United States and discourages any action regarding the DAPL that would harm or destroy the Tribe’s ancestral lands, waters, and sacred sites.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED

Salt Lake City supports planned national reform efforts to consider the views and sovereignty of Tribes on federal, state, and local infrastructure projects.

Passed by the City Council of Salt Lake City, Utah, this 15^th day of November, 2016.