The US Army Corps of Engineers says an additional environmental review of the disputed Dakota Access oil pipeline is likely to take the rest of the year.
The federal agency, along with Texas-based pipeline developer Energy Transfer Partners and energy trade groups, is also advocating keeping the line operating while the review takes place.
The $3.8 billion North Dakota-to-Illinois pipeline that's opposed by American Indian tribes has been operating since June 1. But US District Judge James Boasberg last month ordered the Corps to do more study on its impact on the Standing Rock Sioux.
He's taking arguments on whether the pipeline should be shut down in the meantime.
The tribe says a shutdown is warranted. The company says a shutdown would impact oil producers and refiners, workers, customers, consumers and government tax revenue.
image: wikimedia
