Energy Environmental Blog

Third Circuit: Condemnation Permissible for Relocation of York County, PA Pipeline

Written by Ilya Batikov | Sep 28, 2014 8:55:15 PM

From The Patriot News:

A federal appeals court panel says Columbia Gas Transmission may use its existing condemnation authority to acquire an easement through four York County properties to relocate a natural gas pipeline.

The 2-1 decision issued Friday also directs U.S. Middle District Judge Matthew W. Brann to issue preliminary injunctions that would permit Columbia to take immediate possession of the needed right of way in the Hanover area.

Brann had sided with the four property owners who contended Columbia did not have authority under a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission certificate to acquire through condemnation easements a quarter of a mile away to relocate 1,000 feet of a more than 50-year-old pipeline.

Read the Third Circuit's decision here.