Commonwealth of Virginia v. Tenneco, Inc., Federal Power Commission, Intervenor

WINTER, Circuit Judge:

This is an appeal from a temporary restraining order (TRO) prohibiting a supplier of natural gas from reducing allocations of gas to a customer in accordance with the former’s plan for the allocation of gas supplies during periods of short supply. Initially the case presents questions of appeal-ability, the timeliness of the appeal, and mootness. On the merits, the principal issue is whether the district court exceeded its jurisdiction by improperly interfering with the regulation of natural gas by the Federal Power Commission (FPC). Finally, if it is concluded to vacate…