Keystone XL Hearing may Proceed Despite Government Shutdown

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Justice Department attorneys say the U.S. government shutdown shouldn't delay a court hearing on a judge's decision to halt construction of TransCanada's Keystone XL oil pipeline.

Justice Department attorney Bridget McNeil said in a court filing Monday that government lawyers are prohibited from working except in emergencies during the shutdown. But, she added, federal attorneys' participation in the hearing next Monday in U.S. District Court in Great Falls isn't necessary.

TransCanada attorneys previously told U.S. District Judge Brian Morris the company is prepared to hold the hearing without the government being represented.

In November, Morris ordered an injunction prohibiting pipeline construction activities. TransCanada plans to argue the order should be stayed while an appeal is pending with the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

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