Hoffmann v. WBI Energy Transmission

The Court will consider how to calculate payment for property taken in private condemnations (legal proceedings to take property) under the Natural Gas Act. The question is whether state law or the Fifth Amendment's minimum compensation standard controls.

Oral argument is scheduled for November 9, 2026. The parties will address whether compensation awards in these cases should be determined under state law or the Fifth Amendment minimum.

The answer could change how much property owners receive when a private company takes their property under the Natural Gas Act. For example, a property owner could receive a different award depending on whether state rules or the federal constitutional minimum applies.

The next major milestone is oral argument on November 9, 2026. A decision usually follows later in the same Court term.

The case concerns whether state law or the Fifth Amendment minimum determines payment when property is taken in a private Natural Gas Act condemnation.

Property owners and private companies using Natural Gas Act condemnation authority could be affected. The choice of legal standard may change compensation awards.

Oral argument is scheduled for November 9, 2026. The Court usually issues a decision later in the same term.