Virginia Fails to Protect Virginians from Fracked Gas Pipeline

RICHMOND, VA -- Today, the Virginia State Water Control Board allowed construction of the fracked gas Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP), despite public opposition and evidence the pipeline would irrevocably degrade pristine streams and waterways. Although construction of gas infrastructure 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 plans to sue to halt construction until the Commonwealth does a serious water quality analysis.

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

"The fracked gas Mountain Valley Pipeline is a threat to our air, water, and communities and it’s a serious error for the Virginia Water Control Board to allow it to be built. Virginians rely on clean water for drinking and recreation and the MVP’s construction puts that water at risk. Today’s decision puts the profits of polluters ahead of the needs of Virginians by allowing our land and water to be destroyed for a pipeline we don’t even need. This project will exacerbate climate change, worsen sea level rise, and endanger the pristine lands this pipeline will run through, threatening Virginia from our mountains to our coast. Richmond may have failed us, but the people will continue our fight against this dirty, dangerous pipeline until it has been defeated.”