Judge blocks new piers at Tahoe

A federal judge has granted a preliminary injunction, temporarily halting construction of new piers, buoys and boat ramps at Lake Tahoe.

Senior U.S. District Judge Lawrence K. Karlton in Sacramento on Friday ruled in favor of the Sierra Club and League to Save Lake Tahoe. The environmental groups argued that the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency didn't properly review environmental impacts before adopting a shoreline development plan last fall.

Critics argued the plan would have allowed building 138 new piers, buoys and boat ramps, leading to more boat trips and environmental harm.

A March 16 trial date was set.

Until then, developers can file permits for new projects, but no actual construction will be allowed until the lawsuit is resolved.