We recently reported that the U.S. State Department granted a permit to construct a 326-mile oil pipeline from the Canadian border to Superior, Wisconsin. The Sierra Club opposes construction of the pipeline and is attempting to halt the project. The Sierra Club filed a lawsuit in California, ostensibly to seek what the environmental group perceives as a friendlier venue. The U.S. State Department filed a motion to have the case transferred to a federal court in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, or Washington, D.C.

Judge Susan Illston granted the State Department’s motion and ordered that the case be moved to Minnesota. Judge Illston found that the majority of the activities underlying the suit took place within or very near the district’s jurisdiction, and that the case would be better heard in the jurisdiction with the greatest local interest.

We will continue to provide updates as the lawsuit proceeds.