Denmark has granted Russia’s state-controlled energy company Gazprom permission to build a controversial gas export pipeline through Danish waters. The October 30 approval removes the last major regulatory hurdle for Gazprom to complete its 1,230 kilometer Nord Stream 2 pipeline along the Baltic Sea floor from Russia to Germany. The Danish decision puts greater pressure on U.S. Congress to quickly pass a sanctions bill to halt the project before it is completed. Washington has opposed the project over concern it will increase Europe’s dependence on Russian energy, boost the Kremlin’s coffers for military adventures, and hurt Ukraine. President Donald Trump has recommended Germany import U.S. liquefied natural gas instead. The Danish Energy Agency (DEA) said in a statement that it approved a 147-kilometer southeastern pipeline route proposed by Nord Stream 2, which is owned by Gazprom. The DEA had been studying several proposals by the company since April 2017. […]