How Pipeline Backlash is Affecting Northeast Gas Supplies Find out what challenges are faced by the natural gas industry to construct new pipelines and how these challenges have impacted gas supplies in the Northeast. Marc Gorewitz, Opportune LLP Thu, 07/15/2021 - 10:00 AM In areas of the country like the Northeast that have existing gas supply constraints, consumers of gas and electricity (gas sourced) may encounter increased price volatility due to expected additional challenges further lengthening the overall pipeline approval and construction timeline. (Source: Pipeline protest picture by Dave Weaver / Shutterstock.com) Your browser does not support the audio element. Natural gas pipelines are part of the critical infrastructure that transport gas throughout the U.S. to commercial, industrial and residential consumers. Interstate gas pipelines that cross multiple states are approved and regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). In the past few years, however, the construction of new and expanded gas pipelines have been subject to increased scrutiny, especially as the U.S. and other countries address climate change by expanding the use of renewable energy resources and reduce the use of fossil fuels. Most recently, the U.S. Supreme Court weighed in on the rights of pipeline companies to construct new gas pipelines versus the rights of states to impose limits on their construction.