Planning for Natural Gas Pipelines in Ohio: Governance and Other Complexities

Abstract

In addition to crossing state lines, networks of natural gas transmission pipelines in the US cross multiple local jurisdictions, each potentially with its own local comprehensive plans and zoning ordinances. Under federal preemption, these interstate pipeline projects present new challenges to local land use planning. We examine aspects of the planning process of a portion of an interstate natural gas transmission pipeline in Ohio. The goal of this research is to explore how local planners navigate the interstate pipeline planning process under the limitations they face due to the regulatory framework in which these projects exist.