Jeff Simmons v. Sabine River Authority, et

CARL E. STEWART, Chief Judge:

This case asks us to resolve whether the Federal Power Act preempts property damage claims under state law where the claim alleges negligence for failing to act in a manner FERC expressly declined to mandate while operating a FERC-licensed project. We hold that it does, and so we AFFIRM the district court’s dismissal of Plaintiffs’ case with prejudice.

I. BACKGROUND

A. Facts

The Sabine River meanders between Texas and Louisiana. Two state agencies jointly regulate the Sabine River’s waterways: the Sabine River Authority of Louisiana and the Sabine River Authority of…