U.S. court rejects request to revive Keystone XL pipeline permit program | CBC News
A U.S. appeals court on Thursday turned down the Trump administration’s request to revive a permit program for new oil and gas pipelines that initially originated with a challenge by environmentalists to the Keystone XL crude oil pipeline.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permitting program allows pipelines to be built across streams and wetlands with minimal review if they meet certain criteria.
Environmental groups contend the program, known as Nationwide Permit 12, leaves companies unaccountable for damage done to water bodies during construction.
“This is huge,” said Jared Margolis with the Center for Biological Diversity. “Hopefully this gives us a chance to put a pause on these major oil pipelines.”