On January 26th, a judge ruled to scrap a key permit for the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL). This was a milestone in a long battle against the pipeline, spearheaded for years by Tribes, Indigenous Peoples and organizations. The judge’s decision to stand with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in this battle was historic--but scrapping just one permit isn't enough.

The pipeline continues to operate illegally, without required permits, and has leaked multiple times.

Here's the reality: Biden has a choice: he can leave the fate of DAPL and tribal sovereignty up to the courts and the Army Corps of Engineers, or he can use his executive authority to shut down DAPL and honor the demands of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.

Young people, especially young native voters, delivered the margin of victory for Biden in November, giving a clear mandate to act on climate, by addressing environmental racism, economic injustice, and fortifying Indigenous sovereignty.

On day one of Trump's Presidency he signed an executive order to push through the Dakota Access Pipeline, sending a clear message to Indigenous communities. It is imperative that the Biden Administration, who was a part of the administration that decided to stop the pipeline in 2016, take action to stop DAPL once and for all.

This is Biden's chance to show the country and the world that he is ready to do what's necessary to stop the climate crisis at the scale that science and justice demand. It is also an opportunity to build racial equity and justice by honoring the clear and resounding demands of tribal nations, an action that would strengthen Nation to Nation relationships.