Native youth in South Dakota take a stand against the Keystone XL Pipeline. Photo by Richie Richards / Native Sun News

The Canadian company behind the Keystone XL Pipeline is taking legal action against the United States in hopes of reviving a controversial project that is opposed across Indian Country.

TransCanada filed a lawsuit in federal court in Texas that claims President Barack Obama exceeded his constitutional authority by rejecting the permit for the pipeline. The company is also initiating a $15 billion claim under the North American Free Trade Agreement.

"TransCanada's legal actions challenge the foundation of the U.S. Administration's decision to deny a Presidential border crossing permit for the project," the company said in a press release. "In its decision, the U.S. State Department acknowledged the denial was not based on the merits of the project. Rather, it was a symbolic gesture based on speculation about the perceptions of the international community regarding the Administration's leadership on climate change and the President's assertion of unprecedented, independent powers."

Obama and the Department of State rejected the permit in November.

Get the Story:
Keystone XL rejection leads TransCanada to sue Obama administration (CBC 1/6)
TransCanada Sues U.S. Over Keystone XL Pipeline Rejection (Reuters 1/6)
TransCanada to file 2 legal challenges to Keystone rejection (AP 1/7)
TransCanada to Sue U.S. for Blocking Keystone XL Pipeline (The New York Times 1/7)

An Analysis:
Tracy Johnson & Kyle Bakx: TransCanada an underdog, but has strong case against Washington (CBC 1/7)

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