FERC Allows Construction of Fracked Gas Atlantic Coast Pipeline in North Carolina

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved construction on the North Carolina section of the controversial fracked gas Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP). The pipeline has been the subject of fierce opposition since it was first proposed.

The Virginia State Water Control Board is revisiting the sufficiency of current water certifications, which could be revoked. The ACP is also facing multiple ongoing lawsuits and a challenge that could force a rehearing at FERC.

The pipeline would carry fracked gas from West Virginia through Virginia and into North Carolina and is a project of Dominion Energy, Duke Energy, and their partners. These companies have used self-dealing to create the illusion of demand for the project, an arrangement that creates obvious conflicts of interest and is even the subject of a legal challenge in Virginia.

In response, Sierra Club Beyond Dirty Fuels Campaign Director Kelly Martin released the following statement:

"Today's green light to the Atlantic Coast Pipeline to construct in North Carolina is also a green light to pollution in our water, climate disruption, and higher electric bills for North Carolinians. It is disappointing to see FERC allow construction to proceed while so many issues for the ACP remain unresolved. North Carolinians don’t want this dirty project destroying their pristine state and threatening its water for generations to come. They’re already being asked to pay for Duke Energy’s coal ash mess, and know the threats that these sorts of projects bring into their communities. The Sierra Club will continue to stand up for the vulnerable communities this pipeline threatens and against the polluting corporations making money off it.”