A scoping period to provide the public an opportunity to comment on the proposed restoration plan for the route of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, which was cancelled on July 5, 2020, has been announced by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The March 2 notice issued by FERC explains that the Commission is seeking “input from the public and interested agencies regarding the proposed restoration activities associated with the disposition of the Atlantic Coast and Supply Header Projects.” All comments will be due by April 16, 2021 at 5 pm.

Atlantic Coast Pipeline, LLC had filed a project disposition and restoration plan with FERC on January 4, 2021 (click here for details on and a link to the plan). A similar plan for the Supply Header Project (SHP) was submitted on November 20, 2020 by Eastern Gas Transmission and Storage, the successor company to Dominion Energy Transmission, Inc., which formerly owned the SHP (click here for a copy). FERC had initially not planned on accepting public comments on the plans other than on the agency’s public docket. Several ABRA members filed comments on the FERC docket on February 9 voicing several concerns about the ACP restoration plan (click here for more information).

A copy of the FERC scoping notice calling for comments for both projects, including instructions on how to file, is available here.

FERC announces public comment period for ACP restoration issues

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.