Montana Federal Judge Brian Morris’s ruling regarding the Keystone XL pipeline may slow construction for the Permian Highway Pipeline.
Morris reaffirmed his decision vacating the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Nationwide Permit 12 (NWP 12) in the Keystone XL case. The nationwide permit allows for pipeline construction across waterways without the necessity of individual permit review by the corps of engineers. Reaffirming the decision to vacate the permit is expected to slow construction of the Permian Highway Pipeline (PHP) as it crosses Blanco and Hays counties while individual permits for each water crossing are acquired, according to the Trinity Edwards Springs Protection Association.
Morris’ new opinion is similar to the original decision issued on April 15 with the exception that maintenance operations and some other minor changes are allowed. Otherwise, Morris maintained his earlier decision and refused to issue a stay in the effect of his decision pending appeal to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
