I want to make the outraged voices heard. The treatment of protesters opposing the Dakota Access Pipeline is atrocious. If the North Dakota Senate is not reached out to then they will never know citizens discontent with the treatment of protesters. That is why I have written a letter that is going to be sent to the Chairman of Natural Resources Comittee, Senator Stanley Lyson and the Chairman of Human services committee, Senator Judy Lee.  

The letter reads as follows: 

Dear Chairman Senator Stanley Lyson and Chairman Senator Judy Lee,

I, Katherine Larkin, am writing due to the overwhelming discontent regarding the treatment of protesters opposing the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.  Reports have referred to the protesting areas as “war zones” and images of many unarmed protesters, including elders, are shown being arrested. This letter is not writing to say do not build the pipeline. The objective is to express to you, the North Dakota Senate that citizens all over the country are disappointed and outraged by the treatment of peaceful protesters occurring right now in North Dakota. We want to see a change in the way protesters are being treated by law enforcement. It is unethical and not justified.

I would like to in addition direct a few questions towards the Senate, the Federal Energy Resource Commission, and Energy Transfer Partners. The first question is when will an Environmental Impact Statement be printed and available for access for the Dakota Access Pipeline? The second question is prior to the protests, did individuals and residents living in close radius to the proposed 1,170 mile long pipeline have an opportunity to attend any public hearings on the pipeline? Where is the compressor going to be built and who will hold the keys to the gate assumed to go around the compressor? Who will be trained for first response should an emergency occur involving damage to the pipeline? Lastly, why is the National Historic Preservation Act not being adhered?

We sincerely thank you for your time and hope to see an immediate change in the force against protestors.

Sincerely,

Katherine Larkin