The Sixth Circuit recently confirmed an interstate natural gas pipeline company’s ability to seek and obtain immediate access to property, prior to a just compensation hearing. In Nexus Gas Transmission, LLC v. City of Green, No. 18-3325 (Dec. 7, 2018), the Sixth Circuit joined several other circuit courts that have followed the Sage approach, which recognizes the ability of a pipeline company, having established the substantive right to condemn under the Natural Gas Act (NGA), to obtain an injunction granting it access to property in order to construct the pipeline, prior to final condemnation. The Sixth Circuit rejected the argument raised in an amicus curiae brief that the Sage approach goes against Congressional intent (arguing that Congress had not provided for statutory “quick take” in the NGA). The Sixth Circuit also found that the District Court had not erred in finding NEXUS had established the preliminary injunction factors, including that the public interest will be served by allowing immediate access. 

[View source.]