Judge delays Keystone XL

A Texas judge who initially put a temporary halt to construction of the controversial Keystone XL pipeline in response to a landowner’s lawsuit has allowed work to continue before the hearing date.

Michael Bishop, a 64-year-old retired chemist, filed suit against the Texas Railroad Commission in early December, claiming the agency did not protect the public’s environmental interest by approving TransCanada’s construction permits, according to The Associated Press. Bishop also claimed TransCanada lied about the Keystone XL’s purpose—the oil company maintains the pipeline will transport crude oil, while Bishop said tar-sands oil does not meet that definition. He said crude oil is defined as “liquid hydrocarbons extracted from the earth at atmospheric temperatures,” while tar-sands oil is almost solid upon extraction and “has to be heated and diluted in order to even be transmitted.”

Texas County Court at Law Judge Jack Sinz signed a restraining order and injunction, finding there was sufficient cause to stop work until Dec. 19, but lifted the mandate several days early.

Activists are planning a national protest for President’s Day, Feb. 18.