Since the April 16 deadline for filing public comments with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on the proposed route restoration for the cancelled Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP) and the related Supply Header Project (SHP), ABRA has been in touch with officials at the agency to learn what the next steps are in the review of the proposed plan (click here the April 20 ABRA Update review of some of the comments filed).
Over 60 groups ask Biden Administration to suspend MVP permits
A letter has been sent to top officials in the Biden Administration by over 60 conservation groups asking for a review of permits for the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) in light of President Biden’s Executive Order #13990, “Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science to Tackle the Climate Crisis,” that was issued January 20,
Participants being sought for survey on pipeline impacts
Virginia Tech University and the Niskanen Center, a Washington, DC-based think tank that has been involved in pipeline issues, are partnering on a survey to gather information about pipeline-affected residents’ experiences with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The results of the survey will be used in a report submitted to FERC as part of the agency’s consideration of public input on its new Office of Public Participation.
New study promotes gas pipelines to meet climate change goals
A new study released April 25 by the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University argues in favor of natural gas pipelines making a positive contribution toward reducing climate change.
The study states:
The Biden administration’s move to bring the United States back into the Paris Agreement and lower greenhouse gas emissions to address climate change will,
Strong concerns voiced to FERC about ACP restoration plan
Comments filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission about the proposed restoration plan for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP) universally called for easements on property along the 604-mile route of the now cancelled project to be relinquished by Atlantic Coast Pipeline,
Conservation groups contend MVP must file supplemental EIS
Comments were filed April 15 with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) urging that the agency require the Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC file a supplemental Environmental Impact Statement before passing judgment on the company’s March 16 request for authority to change the method by which the Mountain Valley Pipeline project would cross 182 waterbodies from a dry open-cut method to one of several trenchless methods.
Senators Kaine and Warner voice concerns about MVP stream crossings
Virginia’s two U.S. Senators, Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, have written Richard Glick, Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), to express concerns they have heard from constituents about confusion on recent filings with the agency by Mountain Valley Pipeline,
Governor Northam signs bill for study of gold mining in Virginia
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam has signed into law a bill that would direct a study of gold mining in the Commonwealth. The issue arose last year when ABRA member Friends of Buckingham became aware that a Canadian mining company was considering the establishment of an open pit mine in Buckingham County to access a gold seam that extends all the way to Northern Virginia.
Biden appoints EJ Advisory Council, including Tom Cormons of App Voices
The White House announced March 29 the membership of the new Council on Environmental Quality’s Environmental Justice Advisory Council. Among the 26 appointees is Tom Corman, Executive Director of Appalachian Voices, an ABRA member. The Council will provide advice and recommendations to the Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality and the White House Environmental Justice Interagency Council on how to address current and historic environmental injustices.
What FERC needs to hear about the ACP Restoration Plan
The public comment period on the proposed plan for the restoration of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP) route, which was formally announced by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in a March 8 Federal Register notice and preliminary discussed in the March 4 ABRA Update,