What was once a quiet project created to funnel crude oil under a large chunk of the US has now become the hot social justice topic of the past two months. The Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL)  has been seen all over the news lately, and is causing civil uproar in Native American communities in North Dakota.

According to its government page, the DAPL is, “a new approximate 1,172-mile, 30-inch diameter pipeline that will connect the rapidly expanding Bakken and Three Forks production areas in North Dakota to Patoka, IL.” It is suppose to assist in relocating domestically produced crude oil to the refining markets found around the Illinois area.

The idea behind the pipeline is to localize our oil production. As of right now the US is third in the world for oil production, but first in oil consumption. By closing this gap the government believes it will further our independence from the middle east, and boost our local economy. The pipeline advertises itself as an environmentally friendly and efficient way to domesticate our oil.

This is where citizens have started to disagree. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and supporters have taken it upon themselves to fight the government and the oil giants from creating the DAPL. These self proclaimed “water protectors” fear that the pipeline causes a potential for an oil spill into the Missouri River, which is the Sioux Tribe’s main source of clean water.

Protesters are also upset because the pipeline was once planned to go through Bismarck, ND, but after many complaints the government rerouted it through native land. While this land is suppose to be protected by treaty there are loopholes written in which allow this pipeline to be built under them.

Until recently, the protests were successful in getting the government’s attention. President Obama and Congress went so far as to temporarily stop construction on the pipeline so as to reevaluate the political and social impact.

Things were looking up until the riot police arrived on the scene. Within the past two months people have been arrested for peaceful protest.

Among them is Hollywood actress and social figure Shailene Woodley, who was charged with criminal trespassing and engaging in a riot. She wrote a lengthy statement for TIME Magazine after her release from jail.

She explains, “I was in North Dakota, standing side by side with Native Americans. You know, those who were here before us. Well, guess what, America? They’re still here. And they are still fighting the good fight. A fight that serves each and every one of us. They are still putting their lives on the line to protect the roots that feed our existence.”

“And, guess what else, dear America?” she continues. “They are still being ignored. We are still throwing them in jail. We are still silencing their dedication to protect us from the planetary consequences that will catastrophically bleed from our ignorance.”

Many people have found her words encouraging and the number of protesters in Standing Rock are growing day by day. As of right now, it is still unclear if the pipeline will be halted for good.