Opponents of a plan to build a natural gas compressor in Joelton are taking their fight to the state legislature.
Two Nashville lawmakers have introduced a bill that would ban compressors within a mile of a park.
Senate Bill 1915 is aimed at pipeline operator Kinder Morgan’s proposal to build a compressor in northwestern Davidson County. It happens to be less than a mile from Paradise Ridge Park.
Republican Senator Steve Dickerson and Democratic Representative Bo Mitchell filed the legislation. If it passes, Mitchell says it’s almost certain Kinder Morgan will challenge it in court.
“There’s no doubt,” he said. “The folks who are trying to build this — huge corporation — they’ve got money to burn to fight this legislation. And I’m sure it’s going to be challenged.”
The 60,000 horsepower compressor would increase the amount of natural gas Kinder Morgan can push through its pipeline system. Federal regulators are reviewing the proposal, along with plans for similar compressors in West Virginia and Kentucky.
It’s not clear Tennessee could block the project, but lawmakers hope that, by weighing in, they can force Kinder Morgan to at least make changes. The Metro Council voted to block the compressor last year.
Opponents say the compressor will be noisy and will emit toxic fumes. They say it should be built on industrial land.
They also want Kinder Morgan to upgrade pipes, which they fear are more likely to rupture under the higher load.
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