Bellingham OKs resolution against Dakota Access pipeline

BELLINGHAM, Wash. (AP) _ The Bellingham City Council has passed a resolution supporting the Standing Rock Sioux and Cheyenne River Sioux tribes in their opposition of the four-state Dakota Access pipeline.

The Bellingham Herald reports (http://bit.ly/2caShy3 ) that the resolution calls on federal agencies to respect the status and treaty rights of recognized tribes.

The Standing Rock Sioux tribe is challenging the Army Corps of Engineers' decision to grant about 200 permits at water crossings for pipeline, which goes through the Dakotas and Iowa to Illinois. The tribe says the project will disturb sacred sites and impact drinking water.

The action comes after hundreds gathered in front of the White House Tuesday to protest the pipeline as part of a wider ``Day of Action.''