Enbridge, a Canadian energy company, has sold an idle oil pipeline to the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation (MHA Nation) in North Dakota. The pipeline, known as the Line 5 pipeline, was previously used to transport crude oil from Canada to the United States. However, it has been inactive since 2010 due to a lack of demand for Canadian oil in the US.
The sale of the pipeline to the MHA Nation is significant for several reasons. First, it represents a shift in ownership of energy infrastructure from traditional energy companies to Indigenous communities. This shift is part of a broader movement towards Indigenous self-determination and control over their lands and resources.
Second, the sale of the pipeline provides economic opportunities for the MHA Nation. The tribe plans to use the pipeline to transport oil from its own reserves, which will generate revenue and create jobs for tribal members. This is especially important given that the MHA Nation has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and the downturn in the oil industry.
Third, the sale of the pipeline highlights the importance of environmental stewardship and sustainability. The MHA Nation has stated that it plans to use the pipeline in an environmentally responsible manner, and has committed to implementing measures to prevent spills and protect water sources. This is a stark contrast to Enbridge’s track record, which includes several high-profile oil spills in recent years.
Overall, the sale of the Line 5 pipeline to the MHA Nation is a positive development for Indigenous communities, the environment, and the economy. It represents a step towards greater Indigenous self-determination and control over energy infrastructure, and provides economic opportunities for tribal members. Additionally, it highlights the importance of environmental stewardship and sustainability in the energy industry.
