Federal Judge Denies KXL Injunction Request

Last week, a federal district judge issued a decision denying a long-pending motion for preliminary injunction against construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. This injunction request is a part of an ongoing lawsuit filed by the Indigenous Environmental Network (IEN) that challenges the legality of the Presidential Permit that granted permission for the KXL pipeline to cross the Canada/US border. Although the request for an injunction and temporary restraining order were denied, Judge Morris reserved ruling on IEN's long-pending motion for summary judgment. This motion is based on the original claims against the 2019 Presidential Permit. The Judge has asked for further briefing to assist him in rendering that ruling.

The following is a statement by IEN KXL Community Frontline Organizer, Joye Braun, Cheyenne River Sioux Citizen:

"While we are disappointed that Judge Morris didn't grant a construction injunction on KXL we are looking at all our options. The permitting for the water crossings is still under review and we must remember that despite the states being in the pocket of TC Energy, the tribes and landowners along the route stand resolute in their opposition against this evil black snake that threatens increased climate change, tramples on treaty rights, threatens the health and safety of Indigenous women, threatens endangered species and the water we need for survival. We will stop this zombie pipeline."