Two new online mapping systems have been created by ABRA to assist allies who are fighting the Atlantic Coast Pipeline and other pipeline projects in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia and in North Carolina. Both systems are based on geographic information system (GIS) technology,
Clarification Sought from Virginia DEQ on Storage Yard Requirements
ABRA has asked the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for clarification in how the agency reviews land-disturbing activities associated with a pipeline project, such as the Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP), but which are removed from the actual route of the project,
Webinar Planned for April 9 on COVID-19 and the Gas Power Industry
A webinar co-hosted by Reuters Events and Petrochemical Update will be held Thursday, April 9 at 10 am (EDT) to explore the impact the short and long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the gas power industry.
SELC Urges FERC To Uphold Tree Clearing Requirements for ACP
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has been urged to reject any request the agency might receive from Atlantic Coast Pipeline, LLC to bypass tree clearing restrictions under provisions of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). In a March 27 letter,
VA. WV Announce Environmental Enforcement Policies During Pandemic
The recently announced U.S. EPA policy on enforcement discretion during the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to issue clarifying guidance.
The DEQ statement,
New Report Highlights Threat of Pipeline Construction to Water Quality
A new report on turbidity in streams and rivers underscores how increased sediment loads will adversely affect aquatic life as well as drinking water quality.
Numeric Turbidity Water Quality Standards: A Tool to Protect Aquatic Life was released this week by the West Virginia Rivers Coalition and Trout Unlimited.
Should Pipeline Construction Resume Amid COVID-19 Concerns?
There is growing concern about the possible resumption of pipeline construction in the midst of the COVIDZ-19 pandemic, particularly given that most workers on both projects are from out of state. On March 25, the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission a letter suggesting that pipeline construction has been declared “essential” by the governors of West Virginia and Virginia,
Pandemic Impacts Agencies and Courts Dealing with Pipeline Issues
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is having a decisive impact on the activities of regulatory agencies and courts who have jurisdiction over pipeline issues. Within the last few days, the following has occurred:
- The DC Circuit Court of Appeals indefinitely suspended in-person oral arguments.
If There’s a Recession, What’s the Impact on Natural Gas?
Growing speculation about a possible economic recession triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic has begun to raise questions about the impact on the natural gas market. A March 9 commentary by Andrew Bradford, CEO of BTU Analytics, notes that declines in natural gas demand in 2020 could decline by as much as 5%,
New FERC Commissioner Confirmed
James Danly, General Counsel of the Federal Regulatory Commission (FERC), was confirmed 52-40 by U.S. Senate on March 12 as a FERC Commissioner. Mr. Danly, nominated as a Republican, was supported by all Republican Senators and 3 Democrats, including West Virginia’s Joe Manchin.