The Obama administration says it will continue its review of the Keystone XL oil pipeline, despite a request from TransCanada, the company behind the pipeline, to suspend the process. On Monday, TransCanada told the State Department it wants to wait until Nebraska, a state along the pipeline’s route, gives its approval. But critics say TransCanada is trying to buy time until Obama leaves office, since he’s expected to reject the pipeline. State Department spokesperson Elizabeth Trudeau said the review will continue.

Elizabeth Trudeau: “TransCanada has not withdrawn their permit application. In a letter to Secretary Kerry, they requested a pause in the review process. We have received their letter to Secretary Kerry. We’re in the process of sending a response. Our review process is ongoing. So, at this stage, we’ve received the letter, we will issue a response, but we’re going to continue our review process.”