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FERC Out With Final Mountain Valley Pipeline Enviromental Impact Statement

Roanoke Times

Environmental Groups are reacting strongly against the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s Environmental Assessment of the Mountain Valley Pipeline Project has been released. The companies seeking to build the 300 -mile gas pipeline say they respect the opinions of those who oppose the project.  Robbie Harris Reports.      

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission staff’s final recommendations on the proposed Mountain Valley Pipeline will be sent to the commissions board for it to decide whether to approve the project.  

FERC spokeswoman Tamara Young Allen said the Commission never announces when it will render a decision. But pipeline opponents had much to say about the problems the pipeline could cause.

The group, Oil Change International, said its analysis “shows it would create as much pollution as 26 coal plants per year.”  David Sligh with Wild Virginia says FERC failed to determine whether the pipeline is even needed. 

Spokeswoman for the Mountain Valley Project Team, Natalie Cox says, “The team continues to listen to the concerns of community members and local officials” and that “We value each landowner’s property; and the safety” of employees, contractors, and everyone who lives along the proposed route.”

Currently the FERC doesn’t have a quorum of commissioners who can decide whether to approve the project. According to the Marcellus Shale News Website,  “the hope around Washington D.C. is that the Senate will take a final vote on two new commissioners before the July 4th holiday.”

If that happens, FERC may well vote to allow Mountain Valley Pipeline construction to begin at any time following a ‘yes’ vote of the body.

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