Morgan Caplan, morgan.caplan@sierraclub.org
Washington, DC -- Yesterday, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved the Mountain Valley Pipeline’s request for four more years to build the pipeline, making this the second time that MVP has requested and received an extension of their certificate. The original certificate was granted in 2017 and MVP received a two-year extension from FERC in 2020.
This comes after an overwhelming majority of commenters asked the Commission to deny the extension request for the 303-mile pipeline slated to carry fracked gas across 11 counties in West Virginia before crossing into Virginia. Of more than 34,500 comments submitted during the 30-day comment period, MVP could point to fewer than 50 local community members in support of the extension. Sierra Club and partner organizations submitted more than 31,748 comments in opposition, meaning the vast majority of commenters asked FERC to deny MVP’s request, including more than 50 state lawmakers and 270 organizations nationwide.
According to the Charleston Gazette-Mail’s analysis during the comment period, “A 2-1 ratio of West Virginia commenters and a 4-1 ratio of Virginia commenters weighing in urged the agency to reject the request by Mountain Valley Pipeline LLC, the joint venture behind the project. Twice as many commenters from North Carolina, where an extension project is planned for the pipeline, weighed in against the request compared to those supporting it."
According to Sierra Club Senior Campaign Representative, Caroline Hansley:
“The Mountain Valley Pipeline is a dirty, dangerous and unnecessary project that neighboring communities have said they don’t want and have been fighting against for years. Now is the time for Members of Congress to listen to their constituents, rather than steamroll environmental justice communities, by opposing the polluter side deal that would rubber stamp the Mountain Valley Pipeline, gut bedrock environmental protections, cut out the voice of the public, and endanger public health.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, 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.