ferc approves independence supplylink chicago leidy hub project news ferc approves independence supplylink projects 2 00 pm cst jul 12 2000 submitting proof market need form newly signed precedent agreements firm transportation capacity highly contested independence pipeline related supplylink pipeline projects approved ferc morning two projects pending ferc three years ferc decision paves way 900 mmcf new natural gas transportation capacity built chicago leidy hub pennsylvania tentative service date projects november 2002 downstream partner marketlink approved ferc april expected operating year earlier williams cos spokesman said williams coastal national fuel sponsoring three pipeline projects together represent investment 1 5 billion commission approved greenfield independence project significant opposition landowners ohio pennsylvania recently said convinced new precedent agreements provided sufficient evidence market support agreements met ferc requirement projects least 35 total capacity subscribed non affiliates june 26