mountain valley
Newsletter
FERC authorizes Mountain Valley Pipeline operations
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has approved Equitrans Midstream Corp. to commence operations on the Mountain Valley Pipeline, concluding years of regulatory and legal challenges.
In short:
- FERC’s approval confirms the pipeline’s compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
- The pipeline, transporting natural gas from West Virginia to Virginia, has faced significant opposition from environmental groups.
- Legal and regulatory hurdles included a 2023 safety warning and a 2022 debt ceiling deal that facilitated the project’s continuation.
Key quote:
“Mountain Valley has adequately stabilized the areas disturbed by construction and that restoration and stabilization of the construction work area is proceeding satisfactorily.’”
— Terry Turpin, director of the Office of Energy Projects at FERC
Why this matters:
The pipeline is expected to transport up to 2 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day, addressing growing demands in the southeastern United States. However, environmentalists have raised concerns about the potential impacts on ecosystems, water quality, and public health. The pipeline’s route traverses the Appalachian Mountains, a region known for its biodiversity and delicate ecosystems. Critics argue that construction and operation could lead to habitat destruction, soil erosion, and water contamination, particularly affecting rural and indigenous communities.
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Photo by Quinten de Graaf on Unsplash
Mountain Valley pipeline delayed: 4 questions answered
Completion of the closely watched Mountain Valley pipeline will be delayed until next year, and its cost will exceed $7 billion, the project’s lead developer said Wednesday. The updates from Equitrans Midstream mark the latest twist in the saga of the controversial natural gas project, which received Congress’ blessing earlier this year.
Photo by SELİM ARDA ERYILMAZ on Unsplash
Mountain Valley pipeline turns to Supreme Court
Justices have an opportunity to quickly restart work on the natural gas pipeline after a lower court blocked construction — against orders from Congress.
Photo by Mike Benna on Unsplash
Mountain Valley pipeline poised for completion
The contested Mountain Valley pipeline now has a clear path to completion, but its pending boost from Congress has sparked a new round of debate over President Joe Biden’s energy and climate agenda.
Photo by Quinten de Graaf on Unsplash
Mountain Valley pipeline at a stalemate: What’s next?
Construction on the $6.6 billion project has been stunted for years, grinding to a halt more than a year ago. Now another construction season looms.
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