Topeka ? Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt is supporting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ decision to approve permits for a new rail hub in Johnson County.

A federal judge has upheld the Corps’ decision to allow construction of the project, which is estimated to bring some 8,700 jobs to northeastern Kansas.

Environmental groups have appealed to the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver, contending the project would create substantial air pollution throughout the region. The opponents argue that stricter air-quality standards used in California should apply to the rail hub work.

In a brief filed in federal court, Schmidt wrote that Kansas’ air quality standards are sufficient to protect the health and safety of residents in Kansas and neighboring states.