Challenging the Pipelines

Despite federal approval for the Mountain Valley and Atlantic Coast pipelines, the fight isn’t over yet. At press time in mid-November, both pipelines were still seeking water pollution permits from Virginia and the Atlantic Coast Pipeline also needed permits from North Carolina and West Virginia (Read the Appalachian Voice story here).

We also joined a coalition of environmental organizations in taking legal steps to call on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to reconsider its approval of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline in light of mounting evidence that it is not necessary.

Virginia
It’s up to the Virginia State Water Control Board to determine whether to grant water pollution permits for the two pipelines despite the disastrous impacts the projects would have on the commonwealth’s waterways.

The State Water Control Board will be holding four public meetings. Only those who submitted comments to the Department of Environmental Quality during the official public comment period may speak, but all are welcome to show up in solidarity. For details, visit: appvoices.org/fracking/actions

Meetings will start at 9:30 a.m. at the Trinity Family Life Center, at 3601 Dill Road in Richmond.
• Mountain Valley Pipeline: Dec. 6 and 7
• Atlantic Coast Pipeline: Dec. 11 and 12

North Carolina
We’re glad that Gov. Cooper’s administration is delaying its decision on Duke and Dominion’s Atlantic Coast Pipeline and demanding that the company submit additional information — but that’s not enough.

Tell the governor and officials in Raleigh that North Carolina doesn’t want or need this pipeline by sending a holiday-themed NO ACP postcard. You can download and print at home, or we can send one on your behalf. Visit: appvoices.org/nc-holiday-cards