Developers of the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline want federal regulators to approve the project this month, now that the commission in charge of the decision has enough members to vote on the project.
Executives with Dominion Energy, Duke Energy and Southern Company Gas made the request in a letter Thursday to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
The 600-mile pipeline would carry natural gas from fracking operations across West Virginia, Virginia and eastern North Carolina, with an extension to Chesapeake. The letter asked the commission to issue its final approval in September so initial construction and tree clearing can begin in November.
Environmental groups and many landowners in the project’s path oppose the pipeline, saying its construction would destroy mountain ridges, pollute waterways and violate property rights. They say the pipeline partners should instead increase their commitments to solar and other renewable energy sources.
Lewis Freeman, chair of the Allegheny-Blue Ridge Alliance, a coalition of 52 opposition groups, said in a statement Friday that the companies’ request is “a blatant attempt to evade Virginia’s regulatory process and ram the approval of this pipeline through, especially as community opposition continues to grow.” He noted that the Virginia State Water Control Board hasn’t scheduled a meeting to review the pipeline.
The Virginia Pilot – Staff Writer – 09.08.2017
Posted by Nelson Bailey
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