Ohio Supreme Court Upholds Gas Pipeline Approval

The Ohio Supreme Court has unanimously upheld the approval of a 3.7-mile natural gas pipeline project in Lucas County, rejecting a challenge from Yorktown Management, L.L.C., which argued that the Ohio Power Siting Board ignored safety and environmental concerns. The court found that the board's accelerated approval process complied with legal requirements, as it automatically approved the application after no action was taken within 90 days. Yorktown claimed potential financial harm due to the pipeline's proximity to its commercial property, but the court ruled that the arguments lacked merit. Meanwhile, discussions continue in New Zealand regarding alternative routes for a proposed sewer main, with local businesses suggesting trench-less methods to minimize disruption. Additionally, the Eighth Circuit is addressing a dispute over a Surface Use Agreement related to a water pipeline for oil and gas operations in North Dakota, with the court siding with Continental Resources in its interpretation of the agreement. These developments reflect ongoing issues surrounding utility infrastructure and land use across different regions.