March 28, 2024

Pipeline company seeks restraining order against protesters

DES MOINES (AP) — The company building an oil pipeline across Iowa is asking a federal judge to issue a restraining order against two protest groups and their leaders.

Dakota Access filed the action in Des Moines on Monday against Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement, Bold Iowa and their directors including former state lawmaker Ed Fallon, who leads Bold Iowa.

The groups are planning acts of civil disobedience along the pipeline route to protest its construction.

The company seeks a court order keeping protesters at least 25 feet away from construction easements which it says will “permit the meaningful opportunity to exercise protected First Amendment speech while ensuring the safety of all involved.”

Dakota Access says protesters have burned its equipment causing $3 million in property damage and delaying construction in two counties.

Gov. Terry Branstad said he’ll authorize the Iowa State Patrol to deal with protesters who could try to stop construction of a $3.8 billion oil pipeline. Branstad told reporters at his weekly news conference, held this Monday in Pella, that the state patrol would ensure the safety of those building the pipeline, and that could helping local law enforcement respond to protests.

The Iowa Utilities Board has approved construction of the pipeline, which will run 1,172 miles through Iowa, Illinois, North Dakota and South Dakota. The route will cut through 18 Iowa counties.

Pipeline opponents have promised to engage in civil disobedience to stop the construction, but Branstad says they should accept the board’s approval of the project and not break the law.