A federal judge held a hearing in a lawsuit that challenges a liquefied natural gas terminal sought by the Passamaquoddy Tribe of Maine.

Judge John Woodcock had dismissed the claims filed by We Take Care of Our Land, a group of tribal members who oppose the terminal. But last September, the 1st Circuit Court of Appeals reversed and said the plaintiffs have standing to challenge a lease that was approved by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

The tribal members want the BIA to consider an environmental impact statement for the project and address other environmental concerns. Woodcock is urging all the parties to consider a settlement.

The LNG terminal would be located at Split Rock, a sacred site.

Get the Story:
LNG settlement talks perhaps on horizon (The Bangor Daily News 7/2)
Passamaquoddy Back in Court (WABI 7/2)

1st Circuit Decision:
Nulankeyutmonen Nkihtaqmikon v. BIA (September 14, 2007)

Related Stories:
Court revives Passamaquoddy lawsuit against BIA (9/17)