Judge Rules to Allow Planning Aspects for KXL Pipeline

U.S. District Judge Brian Morris ruled on Nov. 28 that TransCanada can continue to do preliminary work on the proposed Keystone XL pipeline while his order blocking the construction is still in effect.

On Nov. 28, TransCanada attorneys argued Judge Morris should clarify or amend his ruling for the injunction to include applying to finalizing contracts, purchase materials, conduct land surveys and discuss federal permits. The company wants to continue preparing so pipeline construction could start as early as mid-February.

On Nov. 8, Judge Morris had blocked TransCanada’s permit to continue building and making plans for the pipeline, which will route to northern Phillips and Valley County. At that time, the Judge had ruled the Trump administration had not fully considered the environmental effects of the pipeline and ordered a new review.