Pallone Speaks On Supreme Court Pipeline Decision

LONG BRANCH, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) responded to the 5-4 decision made by the United States Supreme Court on Tuesday to allow the PennEast Pipeline Company to use federally granted eminent domain powers to seize state-owned property so that a 116-mile pipeline through Pennsylvania and New Jersey can be installed.

This power was given to PennEast through the Natural Gas Act, which gave the federal government the authority to grant eminent domain ability to private companies. PennEast wanted to use this granted power to seize property owned by the state that runs along the proposed pipeline route.

“I am deeply disturbed and disappointed by the Supreme Court’s decision today, which sets the dangerous precedent of allowing interstate pipelines to take State-owned lands without a State’s consent,” Pallone said in a statement.

“States like New Jersey should be able to retain their right to do what they wish with the lands they own, and no private actor – including pipeline companies – should be able to usurp that right. I am determined to work with my colleagues to do everything in our power to preserve this important State right.”