The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia has ruled that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission illegally kept natural gas pipeline opponents from seeking judicial review, according to Kallanish Energy.

The decision will affect natural gas  pipeline and LNG projects across the United States as it was seen as a major victory for pipeline opponents and environmentalists who can now get to court quicker to challenge projects and possibly stop construction.

In the past, FERC would issue what is called tolling orders under the Natural Gas Act that prevented pipeline opponents from going to court while FERC considered rehearing requests that could drag on for months while pipeline developers could begin construction.

Learn more: Kallanish Energy > Appeals court knocks FERC tolling orders