Supreme Court Seems Skeptical of Property Owners in Natural Gas Pipeline Case

The US Supreme Court heard arguments in *Hoffman v. WBI Energy Transmission*, which concerns how compensation should be calculated when a private pipeline company takes land using authority delegated under federal law. The owners argue that state law should apply because it provides greater protection in this case; several justices appeared sceptical, suggesting the court may rule against them.

The Natural Gas Act allows companies to seek court-ordered condemnation of property but does not specify the compensation rules, the owners’ lawyer argued. Chief Justice John Roberts questioned why a private company acting under federal authority should not receive the same treatment as the federal government, while Justice Clarence Thomas also challenged the owners’ position. The article says the outcome is uncertain but that the oral arguments point towards a likely defeat for the landowners.