Brazil's Supreme Court Orders Resumption of Work on Controversial Dam

An article published on August 28, 2012, by the NY "Times," reports that Brazil's Supreme Court has ordered that work resume on a controversial dam that will generate hydroelectric power. 

The Belo Monte dam, which is being constructed in the Amazon rainforest in the state of Pará, has been opposed by Indian and environmental groups.  

The ruling overturned a decision by a lower court on August 16, 2012, which halted construction of the dam.

In a statement, the Brazilian government said that the Court's decision "avoids the occurrence of major and irreparable damage to the economy, to public property and to the country's energy policy."

Celebrities including rock singer Sting, director James Cameron, and actress Sigourney Weaver have joined activists in opposing construction of the dam.