Federal court halts permits for 32-mile Tennessee gas pipeline project

(UI) — A federal appeals court has temporarily blocked key permits required for the construction of a 32-mile natural gas pipeline in Tennessee, following legal challenges from environmental groups, according to Reuters.

The court's decision on Oct. 11 impacts the Cumberland Project, which aims to transport additional natural gas to the Tennessee Valley Authority.

RELATED: Tennessee pipeline gets initial FERC approval despite environmental concerns

The Cincinnati-based 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 to pause permits granted by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and the Army Corps of Engineers, both of which were essential for the project to move forward. The ruling was made in response to concerns raised by environmental organizations Appalachian Voices and Sierra Club, who argued that the pipeline could cause significant environmental harm.

The court indicated that the stay will allow time to fully review the environmental groups' case, with further legal proceedings scheduled for December.

A spokesperson for the pipeline developer expressed disagreement with the ruling, stating the company will review the court's decision and explore potential next steps. Environmental groups involved in the lawsuit have not yet provided a public comment on the court’s ruling.

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