Future Uncertain, Standing Rock Sioux Leader Urges Pipeline Protesters To Leave

A transition spokesman said President-elect Donald Trump will review the Dakota Access Pipeline when he takes office. On Sunday the Army Corps of Engineers rejected part of the pipeline route that would have crossed near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation.

CBS Video: 'Future Uncertain, Standing Rock Sioux Leader Urges Pipeline Protesters To Leave'

Protesters gathered in the middle of a snowstorm Monday carrying on their normal routine despite Sunday’s decision, reports CBS News correspondent Omar Villafranca.

With the pipeline’s future uncertain, Standing Rock Sioux Chairman Dave Archambault II is urging those braving winter conditions to leave the North Dakota camp. 

In a letter issued Tuesday by the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, Archambault told the 'water protectors' that by staying once the storm has passed, they are risking their lives. 

"We deeply appreciate all the people who supported us with their presence, but when this storm passes, it is time to dismantle the camp and return to our homes. If the camp stays where it is currently located, people are risking their lives," Archambault wrote. "The current weather is severe, making travel impossible. If the camp stays, we run a risk of further provocation from local law enforcement."

Archambault said Sunday's decision by the Army is a victory for the one DAPL battle, but that they have not yet won the DAPL war.
 
“I understand the fear that they have that this is just a small victory and it’s not over yet. But it’s over right now,” Archambault said.
 
Trump supports the Dakota Access Pipeline and is expected to review the project after the inauguration.

“I need to find a way to reach Donald Trump to help them realize and understand what decision was made and why it’s the right decision,” Archambault said. “We are the first occupants of this nation. We were here first. We are still here and we’re not going away. And we’re not opposed to economic development. We’re not opposed to energy independence. We’re not opposed to national security. What we’re doing is we’re saying don’t make us pay for it again.” 

Energy Transfer Partners, the Dallas-based company behind the pipeline, is vowing to complete the project – with its proposed Missouri River crossing about a mile upstream from the tribe’s reservation. In a statement released after Sunday’s decision, the company took aim at the Obama administration saying it “intended to delay a decision in this matter until President Obama is out of office.” 

White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest answered questions about the denied easement Monday. 
 
“The White House did not and has not been dictating the outcome but rather has been updated by the Army Corps on the negotiations,” Earnest said. 
 
“If the decision changes, do you expect to see people out there protesting again?” Villafranca asked Archambault.

“I don’t think it’s necessary. We won, and we have to continue moving forward and trying to work with…the Trump administration and to make this decision stick,” he responded.