In 2016, the world stood in solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe against the Dakota Access pipeline. Now, as oil flows under Lake Oahe, tribal members still suffer from a lack of sovereignty over their own energy future.
The tribe currently pays some of the highest electricity costs in North and South Dakota. Additionally, during harsh winter months, neither state regulates its utilities to prevent electricity shut-offs. In a place where money is scarce and temperatures can drop to -40°F, this bureaucratic negligence constitutes a threat to human life and an insult to the original peoples of the Oceti Sakowin (Seven Council Fires).
Fortunately, there's a solution. Renewable energy can deliver reasonable rates and local tribal control over the power supply. The Lakota People’s Law Project is working in concert with Standing Rock’s leadership and activists (and representatives from MIT Solve) to bring renewable energy to the reservation, and to encourage the states of North and South Dakota to start looking forward.
Will you join us in calling upon North and South Dakota to pass legislation requiring utilities to establish a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) of 50% certified renewable energy by 2030? In addition, we ask that both states pass a solar access law, tax incentives for green building, and a strong “net metering” law. North and South Dakota — both of which depend heavily on coal for power, despite having huge wind and solar potential — must not stand in the way of Standing Rock as its people work toward sustainability and energy independence.
Please watch the video and make your voice heard by signing the petition to green the Dakotas.
Your voice can help the Lakota establish energy independence and lead the way for the Dakotas to adopt renewable standards that will make a real and lasting difference for the world we share.
Here’s another video update on the background and progress of this movement from Madonna Thunder Hawk and Phyllis Young. Thank you for your solidarity!