Trump Issues Permit for Keystone XL Pipeline

The Trump administration on Friday issued a permit for the controversial Keystone XL pipeline to be built, effectively reversing the previous White House’s decision to reject the plans two years ago. According to the Associated Press, the U.S. State Department, in reviewing the project plans, decided the pipeline would be in “the national interest,” despite numerous environmental and legal concerns surrounding the project. The White House said that President Trump will address the Keystone approval in a Friday announcement. “We greatly appreciate President Trump's administration for reviewing and approving this important initiative,” said the CEO of TransCanada, the company that received the permit. “We look forward to working with them as we continue to invest in and strengthen North America's energy infrastructure.” Even with an approved permit, the 1,700-mile pipeline still faces significant hurdles as portions of its planned route are being litigated at the state level.