TransCanada must halt preconstruction work for the Keystone XL pipeline while the controversial project’s future is being decided, according a federal court ruling issued Dec. 7.
Judge Brian Morris, who blocked the Trump Administration’s construction permits for the $8.3 billion project in November, rejected TransCanada’s request to continue preparing sites in northern Montana for pipe storage and construction camps while the U.S. State Department conducts another environmental review of the 1,179-mile cross border pipeline. Morris did allow general engineering and planning work to continue, as well as activities such as material purchases, pursuit of outstanding permits, and engagement with communities and government agencies.