A judge has ruled Louisville Gas and Electric can take property owned by the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest for a proposed natural gas pipeline.

LG, ENI and Bernheim were in a lawsuit over whether the utility company could use Kentucky's eminent domain law for easements on the property.

Our Kacey Parker Bell spoke to Bernheim executive Director Marc Warms about the ruling and what comes next.

Well, Bernheim, of course, is disappointed, but not surprised.

A bullet county judge has ruled against Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest and in favor of local gas and electric.

The ruling will allow LG to purchase land for the installation of a new natural gas pipeline using Kentucky's eminent domain law.

The proposed LG pipeline runs through part of BERNHEIM property.

The 12 mile line will connect two separate natural gas lines to provide more distribution to parts of Beaufort County.

Bernheim is executive director, had this to say about the ruling.

What this means is that our three and a half, almost four year battle to protect landowner rights, to protect our conservation easements and be sure that that legal entity of conservation easement stays intact and safe, strong for all land across the state has just taken a blow.

LG released a statement about the ruling.

It reads, We are pleased with the outcome of the proceeding.

This project will enhance reliability for current customers in the area and expand capacity to support the energy needs of this quickly growing region.

But Bernheim executive director says the pipeline will hurt the environment.

Cutting another 100 foot wide swath across our conservation code or remove some critical habitat.

It exposes land on these hills that should not be exposed and they're very unstable, which means that erosion and slippage will occur, polluting the local streams and streams.

And the fight over the proposed pipeline may not be over.

Do you all have plans to appeal?

Well, we're we're investigating our options, and I can tell you that regardless, Bernheim will continue to work for natural lands and protection of natural lands and natural waters.

For Kentucky Edition.

I'm Casey Parker, Belle.

L.G.

and he has 69 of the 78 easements it needs to complete the pipeline.