Keystone pipeline opponents again seek to block construction

BUSINESS

Keystone pipeline opponents again seek to block construction

The Associated Press Published Wednesday, July 10, 2019 7:23PM EDT

Rail cars arrive loaded with pipe for the first Keystone Pipeline project in Milton, N.D., on Feb. 28, 2008. (Grand Forks Herald / Eric Hylden)

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BILLINGS, Mont. -- Opponents of the Keystone XL oil pipeline asked a judge to again block construction of the $8 billion project after U.S. President Donald Trump issued it a new permit.

Attorneys for environmental groups made the request Wednesday in a lawsuit before U.S. District Judge Brian Morris in Montana. They say Trump's permit was illegal.

The 1,900-kilometre pipeline proposed by TC Energy would carry crude oil from Canada to Nebraska.

Opponents contend it would make climate change worse by increasing fossil fuel consumption.

Morris temporarily blocked construction last year, saying officials had not fully considered oil spills and other impacts. That ruling was upheld on appeal, only to have Trump issue a new permit in March.

Government attorneys say that permit is not subject to environmental laws. They want the lawsuit dismissed.