As judges in Nebraska delayed TC Energy requests for construction permits to build the Keystone XL pipeline there, a state agency in Montana gave the firm permission to cross water bodies.
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality granted the Canadian developer a 401 Water Quality Certification to cross nearly 200 protected water bodies located in eastern Montana.
Montana Public Radio reported the approval came before the state had time to review more than 650 public comments.
Click here for Montana Public Radio story.