That’s when the PSC narrowly approved a route for the controversial pipeline across Nebraska. However, the route approved was not the “preferred route” sought by Trans­Canada, but a “mainline alternative route,” which parallels, for more miles, the route of an existing pipeline.

TransCanada asked the PSC to reconsider its approval and allow the company to amend its application to address questions and prevent litigation and delays over the new route.

But the PSC on Tuesday rejected that request, as well as a request by the Sierra Club to nullify the approval of the alternative route.

So where exactly that leaves the project is unclear. Trans­Canada could push forward with its alternative route but face a deluge of lawsuits from landowners who weren’t notified that they might be on a pipeline path.

Or TransCanada could appeal the PSC’s decision with the Nebraska Court of Appeals, which could take up to a year.

TransCanada spokeswoman Robynn Tysver said the company is “going to take some time to review today’s decision and determine our next step.”