In a 2-1 vote, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Jan. 30 issued a declaratory order that the PennEast Pipeline Co. had a right to exercise eminent domain over state-owned land in New Jersey for its proposed nearly $1-billion, 116-mile natural gas pipeline project running from Pennsylvania to New Jersey.
The ruling may bolster PennEast's position when it petitions the U.S. Supreme Court to review the issue following unfavorable appellate court rulings last yea.