By MATTHEW BROWN
Associated Press

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) - A Canadian company says it has started preliminary work along the proposed Keystone XL pipeline from Canada to the U.S. as opponents wait for a judge to rule on their request to block the project. TC Energy spokeswoman Sara Rabern said Wednesday the Calgary-based company was moving equipment this week and will begin mowing and felling trees along the pipeline's 1,200-mile route within the next week or so. The company anticipates starting construction at a northern Montana border crossing next month. Environmental groups in January asked U.S. District Judge Brian Morris to block all work while a challenge to the project's permit is pending.

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