By Jim Shelson of Phelps Dunbar LLP

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In November 2020, the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, a religious order of Roman Catholic women (Sisters), filed a lawsuit in federal court in Pennsylvania against Transcontinental Gas Pipeline Company (Transco).¹ The Sisters allege that Transco violated their religious liberties by running a pipeline through property owned by the Sisters.

Background

Under the Natural Gas Act, 15 U.S.C. § 717 et seq. (NGA), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has the power to issue certificates that authorize private developers to construct, operate, and …