(Rapid City, SD) — Motions filed Monday in federal court seek to stop drilling at Pe’ Sla immediately. The filings were submitted by a group including the NDN Collective, the Black Hills Clean Water Alliance and Earthworks. The lawsuit was filed against the U.S. Forest Service but the plaintiffs worry drilling could continue before the Forest Service responds. That is why they are asking the court to stop drilling that has already started at two different drill pads. The organizations say the drilling is unlawful and taking place on protected land that is described as sacred to the Lakota Tribe, while also putting water sources on the Cheyenne River at risk of contamination.
