Pipeline company asks Supreme Court to halt decision that could shut it down

Companies behind an Illinois-Missouri pipeline are asking the Supreme Court to reverse a decision that could shut it down.

In a petition to the high court, backers of Spire STL, which carries natural gas across a 65-mile stretch, asked for a review of a decision that vacated a permit for the vessel. 

In June, the D.C. Circuit Court vacated an approval for the pipeline, saying that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission did not adequately justify the approval. 

In the new petition, Spire Missouri Inc. and Spire STL Pipeline LLC have asked the high court to halt the vacatur. The filing argued that the decision was “at odds” with decisions from other circuit courts and also that it would harm consumers. 

“Shutting down the Project would create a serious risk of up to 400,000 St. Louis-area homes and businesses losing gas service for prolonged periods of time during the freezing temperatures of the upcoming winter,” they argued. 

The request received pushback from an environmental group opposing the pipeline, citing steps taken by the commission in the interim to support energy continuity. 

“Spire’s application to the Supreme Court to stay the D.C. Circuit mandate is inappropriate and unnecessary because there is no imminent harm threatening Spire or its customers. FERC has demonstrated its commitment to ensuring there is no disruption in service that could harm St. Louis consumers during the upcoming winter,” said a statement from Natalie Karas, Senior Director and Lead Counsel at the Environmental Defense Fund. 

“Spire has not presented a substantial question to the Supreme Court and a stay should not be granted,” she added. 

In September, FERC granted the pipeline, which had been operating since 2019, a 90-day temporary certificate.