SO · News · 20260901N

Regulatory Risk

SOUTHERN CO · 2026-09-01 · Importance 71 · Surprise 60

FERC authorized the South System Expansion 4 and Mississippi Crossing pipeline projects, together spanning more than 500 miles. The projects have an estimated combined cost of $5.2 billion and would affect 18 river watersheds, with environmental groups citing pollution and wildlife-habitat risks. The Southern Environmental Law Center and other groups plan to challenge the authorization, arguing that most contracted gas capacity is unnecessary and could shift costs to utility ratepayers, including through data-center-related demand.

Key facts

• A former senior vendor manager is suing Southern Company Services for age and disability discrimination. source
• The plaintiff was fired shortly after turning 60. source
• The plaintiff had FMLA leave approved prior to being fired. source
• The lawsuit alleges a supervisor made ageist comments about employees over 60 getting sick. source
• The lawsuit alleges that HR failed to address the plaintiff's concerns. source