A federal appeals court has approved a controversial power line set to cross the Mississippi River from Iowa to Wisconsin.
U.S. District Judge William Conley issued a preliminary injunction blocking the land swap while he weighs the merits of the case. A three-judge panel from the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals struck down the injunction on Thursday. The panel ruled that Conley didn't find that the conservationists were likely to win the case, a mandatory determination to win a preliminary injunction.
Online court records show Conley has set a briefing schedule on the merits of the case that extends through late July, with a hearing set for Aug. 8.
It's unclear when the utilities might close the land deal and begin construction. Dairyland Power and ITC Midwest officials issued a joint statement Tuesday saying they were pleased with the 7th Circuit's decision and they're now free to complete the land exchange. The statement did not say when the utilities would close the deal and begin construction. ITC Midwest spokesperson Rod Pritchard said in response to a follow-up email from The Associated Press that the closing would happen "soon" and a construction schedule hasn't been developed yet.
Tina Shaw, a spokesperson for the fish and wildlife service, declined to comment because the case is still pending in Conley's court.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
A public relations representative for Howard Learner, an attorney representing the conservationists, said she would try to schedule an interview with him.
Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more Fox News politics content.
Subscribed
You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter!
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/court-clears-way-high-voltage-power-line-set-cross-mississippi-river-refuge