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
Related Articles
Latest News
More Stories
‘First Line of Defense’
During Hurricane Helene and its aftermath, rural fire departments and other first responder hubs played critical roles in keeping their communities safe, even without power and cut off from outside support for days or weeks after the storm. Two years later, plenty of work remains to ensure these hubs have the resources they need to operate day to day and be ready when emergencies or natural disasters strike.
The Rocky Road — and Bridge — to Recovery
Hurricane Helene is estimated to have damaged nearly 7,000 private roads and bridges in Western North Carolina. Two years later, many restoration projects are complete, but the journey hasn’t been easy — and isn’t over for others.
After 20 Years, Letcher County Prison Proposal Is Still Alive, Though Obstacles Remain
A $605 million proposal for a federal prison on a former strip mine site in Letcher County, Kentucky, championed by U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers, refuses to die, despite local opposition, a lack of support from the executive branch and numerous other obstacles.
The Washout and Rebuild
For nearly two years, residents of Unicoi County, Tennessee, have had to make do without a hospital after Hurricane Helene destroyed the rural hospital. Ballad Health, which owns the hospital, broke ground on a new location — in another floodplain — in August 2026.
The Shenandoah Salamander
The Shenandoah salamander is a woodland salamander, which has adapted to life at higher elevations away from water. This sparkling rarity lives among the dry leaves, cracked logs, and stony hillocks on the highest peaks of Shenandoah National Park.
‘Foraging Is a Way of Connecting’
Foraging has experienced a modern resurgence, partly because of social media, online groups, the pandemic and people wanting to connect with nature. It also builds community, whether in person or online.
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Leave a Comment