February 7, 2017

Terray Sylvester / Reuters

The US Army Corps of Engineers told a federal court on Tuesday that it intends to grant an easement for the Dakota Access pipeline, clearing the way for a controversial project that was slowed down with court challenges and protests.

The notice comes just days after President Trump signed an executive order to continue construction of the pipeline, despite months of tense protests in North Dakota, where the pipeline remains unfinished.

Thousands of protesters, including members of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, have camped at Standing Rock to stop the building of the line.

Opponents of the Dakota Access Pipeline won a short victory in December when the US Army Corps of Engineers announced it would not grant an easement.

The court filing on Tuesday suggests the corps, now under a new White House administration, has changed course and plans to move forward with the line.

LINK: The US Army Corps Has Been Directed To Clear The Way For The Dakota Access Pipeline