GAIN Applauds PA Court Decision Upholding Regulatory Process in ME2 Pipeline

Yesterday, the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court struck down a lawsuit filed by environmental group Clean Air Council against the Mariner East 2 pipeline project.

The lawsuit alleged that Sunoco, the developer of the Mariner East project, had improperly used its right to exercise eminent domain in the state of Pennsylvania. Instead, the court ruled that such challenges would have to be presented during proceedings in which Sunoco was actually using its eminent domain authority. As Judge Kevin Brobson concluded in the court’s opinion, “The eminent domain code provides the exclusive procedure for challenging the power and right of Sunoco to condemn.”

The Clean Air Council’s suit is just the latest in a string of efforts by environmentalists and other anti-fossil fuel groups in their attempt to prevent completion of this important component of energy infrastructure in Pennsylvania, which will safely and efficiently transport ethane, propane and other petroleum products from the Marcellus Shale to markets in Pennsylvania. Importantly, Mariner East will support the Marcus Hook Industrial Complex, which stands to revolutionize the state’s energy economy once complete – supporting hundreds of jobs.

Below is a statement you can attribute to me, Craig Stevens, spokesman for the GAIN Coalition.  Also, you can follow us on Twitter @GAINNowAmerica.

“Yesterday’s decision by the Commonwealth Court represents a clear affirmation of the rule of law in Pennsylvania. The Court rightly sided with Sunoco, a company that followed all applicable federal, state, and local regulations in the development of the Mariner East project. Too often, midstream infrastructure companies like Sunoco face desperate attempts to oppose development of much-needed pipeline infrastructure. The GAIN Coalition applauds the Commonwealth Court for supporting regulatory certainty for infrastructure companies and projects like Mariner East.”