FERC Approves Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline Just Before Losing Its Quorum

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved the Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline project moments before the agency lost its quorum with the resignation of Commissioner Norman Bay, effective 5 pm on February 3. 183-mile pipeline would run through more than 50 “protected” conservation easements in Pennsylvania and feed an additional 1.7 bcf/day of fracked gas into the Transco system, which serves Cove Point. The 93-page FERC decision is here.

Among other last minute actions the agency took before Commissioner Bay’s resignation took effect was to approve a 55-mile natural-gas pipeline to be built by Dominion Carolina Gas Transmission in South Carolina over the objections of landowners and environmental groups. More details here.

ABRA CONSERVATION HUB

ABRA’s Conservation Hub program promotes responsible resource management by providing access to critical information needed for effective public involvement in environmental review and oversight.

Following the defeat of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline in 2020, ABRA initiated the Conservation Hub to support informed public engagement with the broader range of environmental issues confronting the Allegheny-Blue Ridge Mountain region. The Conservation Hub builds on the analysis and information sharing capacity achieved through ABRA’s Pipeline CSI project during the years of ACP opposition.

The Conservation Hub is based on the use of GIS mapping to provide details and context for land development projects and management practices that involve risk of environmental harm, as well as for environmental preservation and restoration initiatives. The Conservation Hub also provides access to regulatory documents and assessments related to specific projects or issues.

Multiple Conservation Hub sites, focused on individual projects or issues, have been developed collaboratively with ABRA’s partners and allies. Going forward, we invite conservation groups, individuals, and communities to provide ideas for new Hub sites and GIS mapping that can contribute to informed public engagement on behalf of environmental integrity in the Allegheny-Blue Ridge region.