Pipeline cost increases not ‘substantial change,’ Supreme Court rules

Sections of pipe are encased in cement at Vermont Gas’ staging area in Williston. Photo by John Herrick/VTDigger
A drastic increase in the cost of construction for a 41-mile Vermont Gas Systems natural gas pipeline — from an initial estimate of $87 million to the actual cost of $165 — did not amount to a “substantial change” to the project permit, the Supreme Court decided on Friday.The decision allows the company to avoid a time-consuming and costly public process