Developer can invoke federal eminent domain powers in the state of New Jersey.
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court removed a hurdle to the construction of a natural gas pipeline through Pennsylvania and New Jersey. They said the pipeline developer could invoke the power of the federal government to acquire property needed for the project. The 5-4 opinion written by Chief Justice John Roberts rejected New Jersey’s challenge to the 116-mile interstate pipeline.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission authorized the project and, under the Natural Gas Act, that approval allowed the company to use federal eminent domain power to take possession of the land if necessary. The pipeline joint venture said it was able to negotiate rights of way with most property owners but went to court in its bid to take dozens of parcels of land—with compensation—in which the state of New Jersey holds a property interest.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the justices of the Supreme Court to have discernment as they deliberate cases.
- That the Supreme Court would issue rulings with an understanding of the most beneficial and constitutional outcomes in mind.
- For the members of the Court as they wind down the current term with more opinions yet to be rendered.
Sources: Reuters, Wall Street Journal
