Large Turnouts for FERC Comments Session on the DEIS

The first seven public comment session conducted by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on the Draft Environment Impact Statement for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP) have had strong attendance. This week, three sessions in Virginia drew nearly 60 persons in Farmville, over 160 in Lovingston and over 130 in Staunton. The preponderance of those commenting in all three locations opposed to the ACP.

Kenda Hanuman of Friends of Buckingham and Kirk Bowers of the Sierra Club, Virginia Chapter, outside of the FERC hearing in Farmville, VA. ABRA-member groups held organized activities associated with many of the FERC sessions.

The comment opportunities conclude next week with three more sessions, all from 5-9 pm:

Tuesday, February 28 Monterey, VA, Highland Center, 61 Highland Center Drive

Wednesday, March 1 Elkins, WV, Gandy Dance Theatre, 359 Beverly Pike

Thursday, March 2 Marlinton, WV, Marlinton Community Wellness Center, 320 9^th St.

All are reminded that whether you testify at one of the hearings or not, written comments are strongly encouraged to be submitted to FERC by or before the April 6. Details as to how to comment and other relevant information on the DEIS are contained in a background piece ABRA has prepared as a resource: DEIS: What is it? What’s in it? What you can do!

Large Turnouts for FERC Comments Session on the DEIS

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.