The pipeline was due to shut down Dec. 13. It can now continue to supply natural gas while the regulatory body reviews the case.
ST. LOUIS — The Spire pipeline will be allowed to continue operations, according to a ruling Friday.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission extended Spire Missouri’s emergency pipeline permit through winter.
In June, a federal appeals court panel ruled that the FERC didn’t adequately demonstrate the need for the 65-mile pipeline that was approved in 2018 and runs through parts of Illinois and Missouri. It was ordered to shut down the Spire STL Pipeline by December 13.
Spire warned 400,000 homes in the St. Louis region could lose gas eventually if the pipeline closes.
“Since becoming fully operational in 2019, the STL Pipeline has proven to be a critical source of energy supply for more than 650,000 Missouri homes and businesses,” said Scott Smith, president of the Spire STL Pipeline in a news release. “It’s delivered strong performance, reduced emissions, and improved natural gas reliability across the St. Louis region.”
Spire is also asking the Supreme Court to throw out the case at the center of the concern over the gas supply for St. Louis this winter.
Spire wants the Supreme Court to overturn the ruling between FERC and an environmental group that forced this issue in the first place.
The following day, Congressmen Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) released a statement regarding an announcement, saying, “I’m pleased to see Spire STL’s Pipeline receive an extension until FERC can render their court-ordered decision. Hundreds of thousands of individuals in Missouri will no longer face the threat of losing heat this winter. I look forward to continuing to work with FERC and Spire as we work toward a permanent solution.”
Luetkemeyer led a letter to FERC urging an extension of the temporary emergency certificate from December 13th to April 1, 2022.