Gas pipeline project faces setback after court ruling

A federal appeals court vacated the approvals for a New Jersey gas pipeline project, forcing a reassessment of its necessity and environmental impact.

Dana DiFilippo reports for New Jersey Monitor.

In short:

• The U.S. Court of Appeals ordered the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to reconsider the Regional Energy Access Expansion project.
• Environmentalists and state officials argued the project is unnecessary and harmful, citing an independent study showing sufficient gas capacity in New Jersey until beyond 2030.
• The court found the commission failed to consider the project's environmental impact, including significant greenhouse gas emissions.

Key quote:

“The record estimates enormous GHG emissions from the project for the next half century.”

— Judge J. Michelle Childs, U.S. Court of Appeals

Why this matters:

The ruling emphasizes the need for careful evaluation of energy projects to align with state policies on reducing greenhouse gases and ensuring consumer protection from unnecessary infrastructure costs.

Related EHN coverage:

• Major pipelines hit legal snags. But it’s business as usual in Texas
• Protesting oil and gas pipeline development harms mental health and creates distrust in government: Study
• Source of pride and pollution: Balancing energy needs and community health