Definition: In this task, you will be presented with a passage and have to answer a question based on your understanding of the events inferred from the passage. Try to find the best answer that is most likely to fill in "_". Note that the URLs in the text have been replaced with [Link].
Input: (CNN) -- The fight to block construction of the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline through east Texas stepped up Monday as protesters locked themselves to machinery. Dozens of others formed a human chain to keep heavy machinery from moving around the proposed pipeline's path in Cherokee County, said Ethan Nuss, spokesman for the Tar Sands Blockade group. Three protesters at another location suspended themselves from 50-foot pine trees with their life lines anchored by the construction equipment, Nuss said. Cherokee County sheriff's deputies used "pain compliance" measures, including pepper spray, to remove the four protesters locked to the machinery, Nuss said. The four were dragged away "very aggressively and painfully" and arrested, he said.Dozens formed a "human chain" to keep heavy machinery from moving at pipeline siteThree protesters suspended themselves from 50-foot pine trees to stop pipeline workDeputies used pepper spray to remove protesters, group saysCompany building the pipeline did not immediately respond to CNN calls 
 Question:While construction of some segments of the proposed 1,700-mile pipeline has not been approved, the _ government and courts have cleared its path through that state.

Texas