Doug Jackson, 202.495.3045 or doug.jackson@sierraclub.org
RICHMOND, VA -- Today, in a 4-3 vote, the Virginia State Water Control Board (Board) conditionally approved the fracked gas Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP), but put off a final decision until the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) can weigh in on additional plans from the pipeline’s builders. The project has generated intense public opposition due to expectations it will irrevocably degrade waterways and evidence the pipeline’s backers used self-dealing to justify demand. The proposed pipeline threatens Virginia’s land, water, and climate, and the planned path raises environmental justice concerns because the pipeline and associated compressor stations would disproportionately affect communities of color. Today’s decision comes less than a week after the same body gave approval to the fracked gas Mountain Valley pipeline. The Board is appointed by the governor of the Commonwealth.
Although construction of gas pipelines is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), individual states have the authority to reject pipeline construction under section 401 of the Clean Water Act if they determine the project would degrade water quality beyond acceptable standards. The Sierra Club is already suing to halt construction on the Mountain Valley Pipeline until the Commonwealth does a serious water quality analysis.
In response, Sierra Club Virginia Chapter Director Kate Addleson released the following statement:
"The Board’s refusal to give unconditional approval of the permit for the Atlantic Coast pipeline shows Virginians’ concerns are finally beginning to be heard. All eyes are now on DEQ to thoroughly review the threats this pipeline poses to our water. Given all available evidence, the Board must continue to listen to the people and reject this dirty and dangerous pipeline. The Sierra Club and our allies will use every avenue possible to ensure these fracked gas pipelines never run through Virginia’s land.”
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.