mountain valley pipeline
Newsletter
Credit: SELİM ARDA ERYILMAZ/Unsplash
Pipeline project faces tribunal over environmental and Indigenous rights violations
The Mountain Valley Pipeline, now operational, was recently condemned at a "rights of nature" tribunal for infringing on environmental and Indigenous rights.
In short:
- Judges at a North Carolina tribunal deemed the pipeline a violation of nature and Indigenous rights.
- Activists cited environmental harm and lack of consent from local communities.
- The tribunal's findings may be presented to the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature in New York City this September.
Key quote:
"We are replacing the state because the state is not complying with the rights of nature."
— Natalia Green, global director of the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature
Why this matters:
The condemnation from the tribunal is a part of a broader movement advocating for the legal recognition of nature's rights. This concept asserts that natural entities, such as rivers, forests, and mountains, should have the right to exist, thrive, and regenerate their vital cycles. Proponents argue that such recognition is crucial for the long-term health of the planet and the communities that depend on these natural resources.
Keep reading...Show less
Newsletter
FERC authorizes Mountain Valley Pipeline operations
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has approved Equitrans Midstream Corp. to commence operations on the Mountain Valley Pipeline, concluding years of regulatory and legal challenges.
In short:
- FERC’s approval confirms the pipeline’s compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
- The pipeline, transporting natural gas from West Virginia to Virginia, has faced significant opposition from environmental groups.
- Legal and regulatory hurdles included a 2023 safety warning and a 2022 debt ceiling deal that facilitated the project’s continuation.
Key quote:
“Mountain Valley has adequately stabilized the areas disturbed by construction and that restoration and stabilization of the construction work area is proceeding satisfactorily.’”
— Terry Turpin, director of the Office of Energy Projects at FERC
Why this matters:
The pipeline is expected to transport up to 2 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day, addressing growing demands in the southeastern United States. However, environmentalists have raised concerns about the potential impacts on ecosystems, water quality, and public health. The pipeline’s route traverses the Appalachian Mountains, a region known for its biodiversity and delicate ecosystems. Critics argue that construction and operation could lead to habitat destruction, soil erosion, and water contamination, particularly affecting rural and indigenous communities.
Keep reading...Show less
Credit: Quinten de Graaf/Unsplash
Pipeline test failure raises concerns about project safety
A rupture in the Mountain Valley Pipeline during recent testing has reignited concerns among environmentalists and locals, intensifying debates over the project's safety and environmental impacts.
In short:
- A recent Mountain Valley Pipeline rupture occurred during hydrotesting near Roanoke County, with the company affirming the integrity of their testing process.
- The incident, which involved a segment being damaged on May 1, was reported without causing injuries but raised environmental concerns due to sedimentation.
- Despite ongoing legal and environmental challenges, the company plans to continue construction and testing.
Key quote:
"We are committed to ensuring the safe and responsible operation of this project, and the hydro testing process is an important aspect of preparing this pipeline system to operate safely for decades to come ... "
— Natalie Cox, company spokeswoman
Why this matters:
The Mountain Valley Pipeline, designed to transport natural gas through the Appalachian Mountains, has been touted by proponents as a necessary step toward energy independence and economic growth. However, critics have argued that it poses significant risks to local ecosystems, water sources, and public health.
Keep reading...Show less
Photo by Quinten de Graaf on Unsplash
Inside the last-ditch effort to stop the Mountain Valley Pipeline
The pipeline is over budget and late, with more hard work ahead. Opponents hope that discourages fossil fuel companies from building others.
Photo by peter schreve on Unsplash
Inside the last-ditch effort to stop the Mountain Valley Pipeline
The pipeline is over budget and late, with more hard work ahead. Opponents hope that discourages fossil fuel companies from building others.
Communities concerned about MVP pipeline water pollution explosion risk
After a federal appeals court this week denied a request from a group of Virginia landowners to stop construction of the Mountain Valley Pipeline on their land under eminent domain, communities near the pipeline say the project's scale raises serious concerns about safety and landslide risk.
Newsletter
Photo by Quinten de Graaf on Unsplash
Mountain Valley pipeline delayed: 4 questions answered
Completion of the closely watched Mountain Valley pipeline will be delayed until next year, and its cost will exceed $7 billion, the project’s lead developer said Wednesday. The updates from Equitrans Midstream mark the latest twist in the saga of the controversial natural gas project, which received Congress’ blessing earlier this year.
ORIGINAL REPORTING
MOST POPULAR
CLIMATE
