Federal Judge to Hear Dedham's Request to Halt Construction on Gas Pipeline

Photo Credit: Boston Magazine

The Town of Dedham is suing the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in an effort to sop construction on the West Roxbury Lateral Pipeline until their request for a re-hearing is heard in court.

Dedham filed for the injunction a few weeks back, asking the U.S. District Court to order the FERC to use its authority to inhibit construction of the natural gas pipeline.

A judge granted the town’s motion and the request will be heard on Monday, July 13 at 9 a.m. Boston federal judge George O’Toole will preside over the hearing at Moakley Courthouse. United States Attorney Carmen Ortiz will represent FERC.

The West Roxbury Lateral is a 5-mile, high pressure pipeline extending from Westwood through Dedham and ending in West Roxbury.

Local residents are opposed to the pipeline project due to safety, cost, need, and climate impact concerns.