"Supreme Court justices questioned whether a lower court decision over the Atlantic Coast pipeline crossing the Appalachian Trail would create an "impermeable barrier" to natural gas pipelines on the East Coast, and the wisdom of upholding that ruling.
The Supreme Court heard arguments today in Atlantic Coast Pipeline LLC v. Cowpasture River Preservation Association, a case over whether the Forest Service should have authorized a natural gas project to burrow a pipeline through federal land beneath the Appalachian Trail, which is overseen by the National Park Service.
Justices zeroed in on how broadly the ruling could be applied beyond the iconic trail, and some appeared certain that upholding a 2018 ruling by the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals would have ripple effects in other national park land.
"Your position has significant consequences to it, enormous consequences," said Justice Brett Kavanaugh."
Niina H. Farah and Pamela King report for Greenwire February 24, 2020.
SEE ALSO:
"Pipeline Backers Optimistic After Supreme Court Hearing" (Bloomberg Environment)
"Top Court Seems Ready to Back Atlantic Coast Pipeline Permit" (Bloomberg)
"Supreme Court hears battle over Atlantic Coast Pipeline" (AP)
