Developers sue Mississippi landowners who object to pipeline through their land

Because the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved the pipeline project, the developer can use private land without the consent of the owner.

1 minute read

October 15, 2026, 9:00 AM PDT

By Zachary Whalen


Construction of a natural gas pipeline.

Partners of the pipeline project have initiated 141 condemnation cases against Mississippians who have refused to give up their land. | Maksim Safaniuk

Mississippi property owners may not be able to stop Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co. from digging up their land for a 208-mile natural gas pipeline. Partners of the "Mississippi Crossing” project insist the pipeline is necessary to keep up with data center energy demand, and have initiated 141 condemnation cases against Mississippians who have refused to give up their land for the project.

The pipeline would stretch nearly the entire length of Mississippi, and enter Alabama as well. Because the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved the project, Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co. is able to use private land for the pipeline project without the owner's consent. However, groups and individuals have brought forth legal challenges. 

Alex Rozier writes for Mississippi Today:

“FERC is choosing to ignore its statutory obligation to protect the public interest by rubber stamping a reckless plan that will pollute Southern communities and risk raising families’ power bills,” Megan Gibson, a senior attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center, which is representing the project’s opposition, said in a lawsuit filed on Oct. 1.

Wednesday, October 14, 2026 in Mississippi Today

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 14, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

A crane lifts a manufactured house, with is rectangular and does not yet have a roof.

HUD modernizes 50-year-old manufactured housing framework

The Next Generation Manufactured Housing Action Plan establishes new energy-efficiency standards for manufactured homes, and new guidelines for anchoring them.

October 8, 2026 - Boston Real Estate Times

Cars driving under automatic congestion pricing toll machines on Broadway next to the Trump International Hotel in Manhattan, New York City.

Data reveals that NYC’s bet on congestion pricing has paid off

After almost two years of the program, reports show positive impacts on traffic and air quality and no disruptions to parking.

October 13, 2026 - Marcelo Remond

Construction of a natural gas pipeline.

Developers sue Mississippi landowners who object to pipeline through their land

Because the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved the pipeline project, the developer can use private land without the consent of the owner.

3 seconds ago - Mississippi Today

Pedestrians in NYC cross the street.

A gas leak in NYC is costing residents $300 million

More than 90% of NYC’s electricity is from natural gas. About 2% of that gas is leaking and escaping into the air.

1 hour ago - Gothamist

Drone photo of dam on upper Otay Lakes Reservoir. It is covered in graffiti.

CA officials have the power to fix the state’s riskiest dams. They’ve never used it

California’s 40 most hazardous dams would endanger up to 1.5 million people if they failed.

2 hours ago - Cal Matters