HARRISBURG — A hearing is over in Harrisburg about a natural-gas pipeline company's request to become a public utility, a legal status that could enable it to obtain property through eminent domain.

The proceeding before Public Utility Commission Administrative Law Judge Susan Colwell ended Monday. A final decision is expected next year.

Laser Northeast Gathering wants to build and operate part of a 30-mile pipeline to link Marcellus Shale natural gas wells in northeastern Pennsylvania and a pipeline in Broome County, N.Y.