Supreme Court Rules Interstate Gas Pipeline Can Be Constructed

The Supreme Court ruled in a 5-4 decision Tuesday that the State of New Jersey could not block construction of an interstate natural gas pipeline.

The high court said that PennEast Pipeline Co., a conglomerate of five energy companies that joined forces to construct the mid-Atlantic natural gas pipeline, may proceed with construction in New Jersey since it received federal approval for the project, according to the decision. The federal government, and entities with federal approval, may seize state property under the doctrine of eminent domain, the Supreme Court ruled.

“For as long as the eminent domain power has been exercised by the United States, it has also been delegated to private parties,” wrote Chief Justice John Roberts, who delivered the majority opinion.

“The eminent domain power may be exercised—whether by the Government or its delegatees—within state boundaries, including against state property,” he continued.

The PennEast v. New Jersey decision Tuesday represented a rare split in the court with conservatives ruling alongside and liberals. Justices Stephen Breyer, Samuel Alito, Sonia Sotomayor and Brett Kavanaugh joined Roberts while Justices Neil Gorsuch, Clarence Thomas, Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan dissented.

“This decision is about more than just the PennEast project; it protects consumers who rely on infrastructure projects – found to be in the public benefit after thorough scientific and environmental reviews – from being denied access to much-needed energy by narrow State political interests,” PennEast said in a statement following the ruling.

The company’s pipeline project dates back to 2015 when it first applied for a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) permit to begin construction. The proposed pipeline would span 116 miles from Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, to Mercer County, New Jersey, PennEast said.

The pipeline would deliver 1 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day and serve more than 4.7 million households, according to PennEast.

In 2018, FERC approved the project in a 106-page response. Former FERC Chairman Neil Chatterjee said he agreed with approval because there is a “clear need” for it, but noted that he had concerns about the pipeline’s impact on Pennsylvania and New Jersey landowners.

Shortly after FERC issued a certificate to PennEast, New Jersey challenged the project, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported. The state argued the company couldn’t build easements on 42 properties – two private properties and 40 state properties used for recreational, conservation or agricultural purposes – despite the FERC approval.

“PennEast understood that New Jersey brought this case for political purposes, but energy crises in recent years in California, Texas, and New England, have clearly demonstrated why interstate natural gas infrastructure is so vital for our way of life, public safety, and enabling clean energy goals,” the company’s statement Tuesday continued.