Several states have joined a lawsuit filed against FERC by environmental groups that oppose the Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Co. LLC’s (Transco) Regional Energy Access Expansion Project (REAE), raising the specter of a drawn-out battle.

Transco

The REAE would expand Transco’s existing interstate pipeline system to move another 829.4 MMcf/d of natural gas. In addition to equipment modifications, the project includes constructing 22.3 miles of 30-inch diameter lateral pipeline and 13.8 miles of 42-inch diameter loop pipeline in Pennsylvania. One compressor station in New Jersey would also be built. 

Transco, a Williams affiliate, argues the project would expand natural gas capacity in the East, a heavily populated region that relies on the fuel for heating and cooling. REAE would...