U.S. District Judge Brian Morris issued an order Thursday blocking construction of the $8 billion Keystone XL Pipeline until further environmental analysis is conducted.
The decision comes as TransCanada is preparing to build the oil pipeline beginning in northern Montana, with pipe being shipped to the state by train and trucked to locations along the line.
TransCanada released a statement Friday saying it is reviewing the judge's decision.
"We remain committed to building this important energy infrastructure project," said Terry Cunha, communications manager for TransCanada.
President Donald J. Trump criticized the order.
"Well, it was a political decision made by a judge," he said Friday as he headed to Europe to observe the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. "I think it’s a disgrace. It’s 48,000 jobs. I approved it; it’s ready to start."
Environmental groups that sued TransCanada and the U.S. Department of State in federal court in Great Falls called the decision to overturn the Trump administration-issued permit a landmark ruling.
http://www.greatfallstribune.com/story/news/2018/11/08/judge-blocks-construction-keystone-xl-pipeline-montana-fort-peck-climate-chagne/1938114002/
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