The U.S. Supreme Court announced today that it will hear a case involving Duke Energy’s proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline.

Construction of the project was halted last year after a court challenge of a permit that would have allowed the pipeline to pass under the Appalachian Trail. Duke Energy said the pipeline will be placed deep enough to avoid impacting the trail.

“Under Democratic and Republican administrations alike, for decades 56 other oil and gas pipelines have operated across the Appalachian Trail without disturbing its public use,” the company said in a statement. “The Atlantic Coast Pipeline should be no different.”

The court will hear the case early next year, and a final ruling is expected by June 2020. With a favorable ruling in the case, Duke Energy said the pipeline is expected to be finished by late 2021.

The proposed 600-mile pipeline would connect natural gas fields in West Virginia to communities in Virginia and eastern North Carolina. Duke Energy said the region is in desperate need of additional energy infrastructure as the company continues its move away from coal.

The natural gas pipeline is a joint project of Duke Energy, Dominion Energy and Southern Company.

The Charlotte-based energy company is one of the largest electricity providers in the country, serving customers in six states. Shares of Duke Energy closed at $97.17 on Friday, up $2.07.