Pipeline opponent says it will sue if State Dept. issues Keystone XL permit

With hearings in the final phase of the proposed Keystone XL Pipeline approval process expected to commence in August, opponents already are gearing up for a legal battle against TransCanada in the event the pipeline is approved.

National Wildlife Federation representatives expressed disappointment on June 10 as the final comment period on the Environmental Impact Statement ended June 6, despite the agency's appeals to extend the review period.

Instead, the six public hearings that have been approved will allow input on the National Interest Determination Process, the next step that NWF officials say will have no legal standing whatsoever in the final pipeline determination process.