"A federal judge today [Monday] ordered operation of the Dakota Access pipeline to be halted and emptied of oil by Aug. 5 until developers conduct a more robust environmental analysis, which is expected to take more than a year.
Marking a significant delay for developer Energy Transfer Partners LP, U.S. District Judge James Boasberg said the oil conduit must be closed until the Army Corps of Engineers addresses violations of the National Environmental Policy Act that occurred when the agency granted developers an easement to build the pipeline under Lake Oahe (see related story).
Boasberg, an Obama appointee, found in March that the Army Corps violated NEPA by determining an environmental impact statement was unnecessary.
The judge's order essentially halts operation of the 1,172-mile Dakota Access line for more than a year."
Hannah Northey and Carlos Anchondo report for E&E News July 6, 2020.
SEE ALSO:
"Judge Suspends Dakota Access Pipeline Over Environmental Concerns" (AP)
"Dakota Access Oil Line to Be Shut by Court in Blow for Trump" (Bloomberg Environment)
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