The Latest: Trump administration defends Keystone pipeline

The Latest on a legal challenge to the disputed Keystone XL oil pipeline from Canada to the U.S. (all times local):

2:30 p.m.

Attorneys for the Trump administration have asked a judge to let TransCanada Corporation move forward with the disputed Keystone XL oil sands pipeline.

President Barack Obama rejected the 1,179-mile (1,800-kilometer) pipeline, saying it could exacerbate climate change.

President Donald Trump revived the project last year, citing its potential to create jobs and advance energy independence.

Environmentalists and Native American groups on Thursday asked U.S. District Judge Brian Morris to halt the project.

Morris did not immediately rule.

Government attorneys assert the change by Trump reflected a policy shift that elevated energy security and economic development over climate change concerns.

Keystone XL would transport Canadian crude through Montana and South Dakota to Nebraska.

12:45 a.m.

Attorneys for the Trump administration are due in a Montana courtroom Thursday to defend its approval of the disputed Keystone XL oil sands pipeline.

The 1,179-mile (1,800-kilometer) line proposed by TransCanada Corporation was rejected in 2015 by former President Barack Obama, who said it could exacerbate climate change.

President Donald Trump revived the project last year, citing its potential to create jobs and advance energy independence.

Environmentalists and Native American groups want U.S. District Judge Brian Morris to overturn the approval, claiming it was arbitrary.

Government attorneys assert the change by Trump reflects a policy shift that elevated energy security and economic development over climate change concerns.

Keystone XL would transport Canadian crude through Montana and South Dakota to Nebraska.