Credit U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia Opponents to the Dakota Access Pipeline are disappointed that the Biden administration has not shut the pipeline down. Opponents have sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, claiming the government permit violated the National Environmental Policy Act. Last summer plaintiffs claimed victory when a District of Columbia federal judge vacated the permit and ordered the pipeline shut down. The D.C. Court of Appeals quickly reversed the shutdown. But it upheld the finding that the pipeline is operating illegally and sent that issue back to the lower court. On Friday, April 9, the Corps of Engineers was called to the lower court to explain why, months later, it still allows oil to flow. Reporters were allowed to listen in but could not record.