Pipeline

That effectively sends the case to a panel of appeals court judges.

Critics argued the program allows pipeline companies to skirt responsibility.

The pipeline has been carrying oil for three years.

U.S. District Judge Brian Morris ruled that Army Corps officials improperly reauthorized the program.

Environmentalists and Native American tribes are bitterly opposed to it.

The group that includes Sens. Cory Booker, Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren filed a brief in federal court Wednesday.

The company plans to begin at northern Montana's border with Canada.

The groups contend the approval of the pipeline project in November violated the Endangered Species Act.