Sierra Club Files Objections to U.S. Forest Service Weakening Protections to Facilitate Fracked Gas Pipeline Path

RICHMOND, VA -- Late yesterday, the Sierra Club filed objections to the United States Forest Service's proposal to facilitate the Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP) by weakening crucial provisions of the forest plan for the Monongahela and George Washington National Forests in West Virginia and Virginia.

The ACP’s parent companies needed these amendments because their proposal contradicts many of the provisions adopted to protect the national forest, including the common sense requirement that any new pipeline can only cross the Appalachian Trail at places where major disturbance already exists. The objections explain that the environmental review for the proposal, overseen by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, was deficient and unlawfully shut the public out of the process. Furthermore, it is clear that the Forest Service cannot allow intact forest to be cleared for a pipeline when there are alternative routes.

In response, Kate Addleson, Sierra Club Virginia Chapter Director, released the following statement:

“It’s such a shame to see the Forest Service abandon its duties to protect our forests in favor of facilitating a fracked gas pipeline. The Atlantic Coast Pipeline is widely-opposed and for good reason; it’s dirty, dangerous, and unnecessary. Clean, renewable energy sources are abundant and more affordable. Building the Atlantic Coast Pipeline would scar our land and communities while maintaining our addiction to harmful fossil fuels."

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About the Sierra Club

The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.