Public Comments Open for North Dakota Pipeline Expansion
Published Date: 5/14/2026
Notice
Summary
WBI Energy wants to expand a gas pipeline in North Dakota, and the government is asking people to share their thoughts on how this might affect the environment. If you live nearby or care about nature, now’s the time to speak up before June 10, 2026. This project could change local land and wildlife, so your input helps decide if it moves forward safely and smartly.
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Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Eminent domain risk for landowners
If the Commission approves the project, the Natural Gas Act conveys the right of eminent domain to the pipeline company, meaning the company could initiate condemnation proceedings for needed easements; compensation would be determined by a judge under state law. Landowners are not required to sign an easement, but if no agreement is reached condemnation is possible.
Project land footprint: 408 acres construction
WBI proposes to use about 408.0 acres of land for construction (workspaces, contractor yards, access roads, etc.) and to permanently maintain about 111.0 acres to operate the 17-mile, 24-inch pipeline; about 25% of the route parallels existing utility easements. This land use could affect property and farm operations near the route.
Potential impacts to farms, prairies, and wetlands
FERC staff identified agricultural land (row cropping, pastures), prairie remnants, and wetlands and waterbodies as environmental issues that deserve attention; the NEPA review will evaluate these issues and consider reasonable alternatives and mitigation. The Commission may prepare an Environmental Assessment or an Environmental Impact Statement and will accept comment on draft documents if issued.
Public comment period closes June 10, 2026
You can submit written comments on the Line Section 32 Expansion Project and the scope of its environmental review; the Commission must receive comments by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on June 10, 2026. Comments may be filed electronically via eComment or eFiling on FERC's website, or mailed (reference Docket No. CP26-158-000).
On-site review open to public May 19, 2026
FERC staff will conduct an on-site environmental review in Williams County, North Dakota on May 19, 2026; interested parties may attend and should meet at Pinnacle Travel Plaza of Tioga (6714 ND-40, Tioga, ND 58852) at 9:00 a.m. CDT and provide their own transportation. The visit will include sites along the proposed pipeline route accessed via public points.
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