Opinion summary
Etalia.ai summary of the majority opinion
The case involved the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and its authority to implement a rule regarding natural gas pricing. FERC had issued Order No. 436, which aimed to deregulate certain aspects of natural gas transportation in order to promote competition and efficiency within the industry. The Consumer Energy Council of America challenged this order, arguing that it exceeded FERC's statutory authority under the Natural Gas Act by allowing market-based rates without sufficient oversight or consumer protection measures. The court examined whether FERC acted within its legal boundaries when issuing such regulations and considered if adequate procedural safeguards were in place for consumers affected by these changes.
Opinion of the Court
Decided 22 Feb 1979 · Official report