200 Clean Water Advocates Protest Fracked Gas Pipeline with ‘Hands Across the Potomac’

Columbia Gas’s Potomac Pipeline Threatens Water, Health, Communities, and Climate

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Shepherdstown, WV — Today, hundreds of clean water activists joined hands across the Potomac River to protest plans by Columbia Gas to revive a fracked gas pipeline project that has already been rejected by the state of Maryland. Attendees at Sunday’s event stood hand-in-hand on the James Rumsey Bridge, which spans the Potomac River, the river the pipeline would cross, threatening the drinking water for six million people. Activists chanted anti-pipeline slogans and threw flowers over the bridge into the river.

Construction of fracked gas pipelines threatens water quality because destabilization of the soil leads to runoff and sediment entering waterways, which pollutes them and can kill fish and wildlife. Construction crews sometimes also release drilling fluid into waterways, threatening water quality at the site and downstream. In addition to the threats they pose to clean water, gas pipelines can explode, causing serious injuries and even death. The methane gas they carry leaks along the way, and is linked to breathing problems, premature births, and even cancer. Methane is also a dangerous greenhouse gas, 87 times more potent than carbon at trapping heat over its first twenty years in the atmosphere.

In response, Sierra Club Beyond Coal Campaign Director Mary Anne Hitt released the following statement:

“We have said over and over again that we don’t want fracking, we don’t want fracked gas, and we certainly don’t want Columbia Gas’s dirty, dangerous fracked gas Potomac Pipeline. It’s been rejected by residents, by politicians, and by the courts, and it’s past time Columbia gets the hint. The Sierra Club is proud to join hands across the Potomac to show Columbia Gas they should once and for all stop trying to resuscitate this zombie pipeline.”

Brent Walls, Potomac Riverkeeper Network:

“This has been a three year long battle against Columbia Gas. We have made a lot of great strides and garnered the support of thousands of people in communities, hundreds of elected officials and this event shows the strength of our movement and that we won’t back down.”

Brooke Harper, 350.org:

“On the heels of the climate strikes, where millions mobilized across the globe, we feel the need to continue to answer the cry of the youth to stop fossil fuels. We are here today to show our united opposition to the Potomac Pipeline and its harm to the community.”

Benita Keller, Eastern Panhandle Green Coalition:

“Eastern Panhandle Green Coalition is honored to stand in unity and to hold hands with all the people who are fighting the Potomac Pipeline, Rockwool, and all that threatens our land, our air, our water.” 

Mary Mattlage, Eastern Panhandle Protectors:

“To risk the health and safety of our residents and to destroy a thriving agricultural and tourist industry and competitive economy in favor of toxic industry and an obsolete and dangerous infrastructure is shortsighted and frankly, stupid.”

Paula Jean Swearingen, Climate & Workers Rights Activist:

“We’ve seen this type of exploitation far too often in the southern coalfields. A monopoly comes in that feeds the pockets of local politicians. It exploits and risks destroying our community and when it has sucked out every ounce of profit it can they pack up and leave the community with the damage. As a coal miner’s daughter our water ran black and purple and orange. I have a grandchild on the way – and I am not going to leave this world to the coal barons, pipeline profiteers, or insurance companies who trade lives and destroy the world for profit.”

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Contact:
Doug Jackson, 202.495.3045 or doug.jackson@sierraclub.org
Zack Gerdes, (240) 764-5402 or Zack.Gerdes@mdsierra.org

26 Maryland Advocacy Groups Call On Hogan Administration To Release Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan

Groups: Nine-Month Delay in Releasing Climate Plan is “Utterly  Unacceptable”

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Today, 26 Maryland-based advocacy organizations sent a letter to the Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) expressing “deep concern” that the agency has not yet released its legally mandated Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan. The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act of 2016 — which was passed by super majorities in the General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Larry Hogan —  requires MDE to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent below 2006 levels by 2030, and for MDE to develop this plan by the end of 2018.  

Anne Havemann, General Counsel, CCAN, stated: “Now is the time for leadership, not inaction. We are nearly out of time to deal with the climate crisis, and yet MDE has been sitting on its hands for over nine months with no plan to show for it. Not only do we demand the release of this legally mandated greenhouse gas reduction plan but we also demand that it fully account for the true impact of fracked-gas on Maryland’s greenhouse gas emissions. To do otherwise would delegitimize this already delayed plan.”

The letter reiterates that there is “growing urgency and alarm raised by the world’s leading climate scientists” about the climate crisis, and states that the Hogan administration is “wasting what little time we have left” to address climate change. They noted that this delay “does not harmonize with the Administration’s purported commitment to addressing global warming.” Hogan has positioned himself as a climate-friendly governor, announcing his public commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement and releasing a plan for 100% “clean” electricity even as he denigrated Maryland’s flagship clean energy law. 

Celia Plante, Co-Chair of the Maryland Legislative Coalition, stated: “As voters and as residents of Maryland, a state that is one of the most heavily affected by climate change in the nation, we recognize that we need to transform from fossil fuels to clean energy as fast as possible.  We cannot accept MDE’s foot-dragging when our children’s futures are literally at stake. If the MDE cannot even produce a plan in a reasonable amount of time, they are not qualified to lead us during this emergency. We need leadership not stall tactics.” The Maryland Legislative Coalition is an alliance of grassroots activist groups from all across the state, including Indivisible, Our Revolution, Progressive Maryland, Together We Will and Huddles.  

Bonnie Raindrop, Legislative Chair of the Central Maryland Beekeepers Association, stated: “Climate change affects the survival of wild bees, honeybees, nectar and pollen producing plants and pollinators, which cannot adapt quickly enough to earth’s rising temperatures and weather changes. We depend on pollinators for one in three bites of food and are losing 60% of honeybees in Maryland annually and 70% of the worlds flying insects worldwide. This crisis demands swift action on the part of Maryland.” 

 Ruth Alice White, Advocacy Lead of HoCo Climate Action, stated: “Howard Countians are ready for climate action. Howard County youths and adults were among those involved in climate strikes last week, filling the streets, raising banners and calling for action during this time of climate emergency.  Many have taken steps to lower their personal carbon footprints. But for greater changes, we need bold state policies in place. Secretary Grumbles, don’t hold us back.”

The groups also called on MDE to include in this plan “a full accounting of the life-cycle methane pollution related to energy use in Maryland derived from gas.” 

Lois Hybl, Co-President of the League of Women Voters of Maryland, stated: “When legislation such as the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act is passed, we count on our government to take the necessary steps to meet the goals of such legislation. The League of Women Voters expects our elected officials and those appointed by them to act in a timely manner.” 

The letter the week after millions of people took part in Global Climate Strikes around the world, calling for swift climate action. The world’s top scientists with the United Nations have released a report showing the world needs to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030 in order to avert climate catastrophe. 

CONTACT:
Denise Robbins, Communications Director, denise@chesapeakeclimate.org, 608-620-8819
Anne Havemann, General Counsel, anne@chesapeakeclimate.org, 202-997-2466

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The Chesapeake Climate Action Network is the oldest and largest grassroots organization dedicated exclusively to raising awareness about the impacts and solutions associated with global warming in the Chesapeake Bay region. For 16 years, CCAN has been at the center of the fight for clean energy and wise climate policy in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.chesapeakeclimate.org 

National Park Service Decision Clears a Hurdle for Potomac Pipeline Construction but Company Still Lacks Access to Complete Route

Environmental Groups Vow to Continue Fight

WASHINGTON, DC — This week, the National Park Service determined that the fracked-gas Potomac Pipeline would have no significant impact on the C&O Canal National Historical Park, despite the clear threat it poses to the region, the Potomac River, and the climate. This decision could clear the way for the pipeline company Columbia Gas to request permission from federal regulators to begin construction on its controversial pipeline, despite not having access to all the land along the route. A federal judge last month threw out a case brought by Columbia attempting to seize through eminent domain a Maryland-owned public park to build its pipeline. Columbia is appealing that decision but the company’s likelihood of success on appeal is highly uncertain.

In response, Anne Havemann, General Counsel, CCAN, stated: 

“Columbia Gas has taken risk after risk with this pipeline, starting with its proposal to run it through unstable terrain under the Potomac River — the source of drinking water for 6 million people. Not to mention the risk of investing in fracked-gas infrastructure at a time when the science and public opinion are clear that we need to move rapidly away from fossil fuels in order to stave off the most catastrophic effects of climate change. Columbia would be taking a further risk if it begins to build this pipeline without access to all the land along the route.

“We urge Columbia to listen to Maryland residents and elected officials and give up on this dangerous pipeline. At the same time, we will continue to pursue all legal avenues to stop the project.”

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Patrick Grenter, Senior Campaign Representative in Maryland for the Sierra Club’s Beyond Dirty Fuels Campaign, said:

“Not only has Maryland banned fracking, they have rejected an attempted land grab for this specific fracked gas pipeline. This is a dirty, dangerous project that threatens the health of Maryland’s water, people, and communities and we are going to fight it every step of the way. Columbia Gas should listen to Marylanders and put this zombie pipeline to rest once and for all.”

Brent Walls, Upper Potomac Riverkeeper, stated:

“Whether through pressure from the Trump administration or giving in to industry’s ‘it’s safe’ rhetoric, it is a shame that the National Park Service failed to recognize the potential environmental issues with this pipeline.”

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CONTACT:

Denise Robbins, Communications Director, denise@chesapeakeclimate.org, 608-620-8819
Anne Havemann, General Counsel, anne@chesapeakeclimate.org, 202-997-2466

The Chesapeake Climate Action Network is the oldest and largest grassroots organization dedicated exclusively to raising awareness about the impacts and solutions associated with global warming in the Chesapeake Bay region. For 16 years, CCAN has been at the center of the fight for clean energy and wise climate policy in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.chesapeakeclimate.org 

Northam Calls for Action on Climate — But Ignores Fracked-Gas

Northam Must Commit to Stopping Fracked-Gas Pipelines to Address the Climate Crisis

RICHMOND, VA — Today, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam  stood before a packed room of clean energy advocates and business leaders to announce Executive Order 43. This order aims to address the climate crisis by creating a plan to produce thirty percent of Virginia’s electricity from renewable energy sources by 2030 and one hundred percent of Virginia’s electricity from “carbon-free sources” by 2050.

Harrison Wallace, Virginia Director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, released the following statement:

“Governor Northam’s commitment to a 100% carbon-free energy future by 2050 and 30% renewable energy by 2030 is one of the most ambitious climate action goals in the South. We applaud his efforts to lead by example at the state agency level, address environmental justice, and commit to workforce development.

“But Northam’s order ignores the fracked-gas elephant in the room. If we are going to solve the climate crisis, we cannot continue supporting and investing in proposed fracked-gas pipelines like the Atlantic Coast and Mountain Valley pipelines. One place to start would be directing his Department of Environmental Quality to issue stop-work orders for those projects.

“Additionally, the Governor’s plan just doesn’t go far enough on climate. The world’s top scientists all agree that we must cut global carbon emissions in half by 2030 and Virginia must do its part. We plan to work with Governor Northam, the General Assembly, and the burgeoning grassroots climate movement in Virginia to craft a solution that matches the urgency of this crisis.”

CONTACT:
Denise Robbins, Communications Director, 608-620-8819, denise@chesapeakeclimate.org 

Harrison Wallace, Virginia Director, 804-305-1472, harrison@chesapeakeclimate.org 

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The Chesapeake Climate Action Network is the oldest and largest grassroots organization dedicated exclusively to raising awareness about the impacts and solutions associated with global warming in the Chesapeake Bay region. For 17 years, CCAN has been at the center of the fight for clean energy and wise climate policy in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.chesapeakeclimate.org.

BREAKING: Federal Agency Asks Fish and Wildlife Service to Start Over on Crucial Permit for Mountain Valley Pipeline

Reinitiation of Endangered Species Act Consultation Should Halt All Work on Fracked Gas Pipeline

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the federal agency tasked with reviewing and approving interstate gas pipelines, requested that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) reinitiate consultation on its Endangered Species Act permit for the fracked gas Mountain Valley Pipeline. Because the project does not have a valid Biological Opinion and Incidental Take Statement, all work on the pipeline should halt until a new one is issued. Today’s announcement comes one week after a coalition of conservation groups requested a stay while courts review their legal challenge to the FWS’s approval for the 303-mile pipeline.

In response, Sierra Club Staff Attorney Elly Benson released the following statement:

“We have said all along that there is no right way to build this dirty, dangerous fracked gas pipeline. Mountain Valley Pipeline has already destroyed and degraded the habitat of endangered species, and all construction should be halted immediately. It’s going to take more than half-measures to protect our endangered species, climate, and communities. Mountain Valley Pipeline should read the writing on the wall and shut this project down once and for all.”

The Chesapeake Climate Action Network’s General Counsel Anne Havemann stated: 

“The rush to build this unnecessary and harmful pipeline has polluted drinking water, harmed livelihoods, triggered landslides, and further threatened already endangered species. Despite the devastation that construction of the Mountain Valley Pipeline has left in its wake and despite the lack of valid permits, construction on much of this dangerous pipeline continues. FERC must stop work on the entire pipeline — to do otherwise is completely unacceptable.”

David Sligh, Conservation Director for Wild Virginia stated:

“The Mountain Valley Pipeline threatens some of our most sensitive and precious species and must be stopped. Regulators at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission have now agreed with advocates that the Fish and Wildlife Service failed in its duty under the Endangered Species Act. Now the Service must go back and do the job right. We are confident that an honest analysis will show that this pipeline cannot be built without harming these species and and it should be abandoned.”

Jason Rylander, Senior Endangered Species Counsel for Defenders of Wildlife stated:

“The Fish and Wildlife Service’s original biological opinion was wholly inadequate to protect imperiled species in the path of the Mountain Valley Pipeline. Further construction on the pipeline must cease while the Service conducts this necessary review of its impacts.” 

Roberta Bondurant, of Preserve Bent Mountain, stated:

“Under MVP construction we’ve witnessed a financially failing fox assert it could guard the henhouse, while disregarding and flaunting all rules in broad daylight, in plain view. MVP has given new meaning to the word ‘lawless.’ We persevere in seeking a full stay of construction in protection of our fragile species, our great places. For our next generations, we seek the Rule of Law.”

Jared Margolis, of the Center for Biological Diversity, stated:

“There’s no doubt that the Mountain Valley Pipeline is a disaster for imperiled wildlife and our waterways, but FERC needs to do more than simply renew its analysis of those threats. This pipeline should be cancelled entirely to protect the public interest and prevent further harm to our climate. Regulators need to stop putting corporate profits ahead of safeguarding our environment.”

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Potomac Pipeline Victory: Federal Court Dismisses Columbia Gas’ Lawsuit

CONTACT:
Denise Robbins, Communications Director, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, 240-630-1889, denise@chesapeakeclimate.org
Fritz Schneider, Director of Communications, Potomac Riverkeeper Network, 301.728.4811, fritz@prknetwork.org

BALTIMORE, MD — Today, in a victory for environmentalists and concerned Maryland residents, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland rejected Columbia Gas’ effort to force a fracked-gas pipeline underneath Maryland public lands. In January, Governor Hogan and the Maryland Board of Public Works unanimously rejected a right-of-way easement for what is known as the “Potomac Pipeline” project underneath the Western Maryland Rail/Trail. Columbia Gas Transmission, which is owned by TransCanada Corp., filed its lawsuit in May to seize this land through eminent domain. This attempt by a private corporation to take public land through eminent domain is unprecedented in Maryland. 

Representatives of top Maryland environmental groups responded: 

Kirsten Collings, Deputy Director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network: 

“Today, justice prevailed. Fossil fuel companies have acted as if they are above the law for too long. Columbia Gas wants to trample over states’ rights and steal our precious public land, all for a dangerous pipeline that we don’t even need. This would have set a dangerous precedent in Maryland. Our state decisionmakers have the right to protect our communities — to do so is a cornerstone of our democracy.”

Brent Walls, Upper Potomac Riverkeeper: 

“This attempt by Columbia Gas was nothing more than a heavy-handed ploy to take public land owned by and for the benefit of all Marylanders, just so that it could build a risky pipeline which no one needs that, would threaten the source of drinking water for millions, and provides no benefit at all to the citizens of Maryland. 

“All of us who are aware of the dangers to water and a way of life posed by the pipeline sincerely hope that this ruling is the end of the matter. We don’t need or want this pipeline and the risk of construction and operation would be simply too great.”

Patrick Grenter, Senior Campaign Representative for Sierra Club: 

“Today’s ruling is a victory for the state of Maryland, the environment, and all those who get drinking water from the Potomac River. After 2 years of continued opposition from the public and elected officials, and now a US District Court, we hope Columbia Gas finally understands that there is no place in Maryland for this dirty, dangerous fracked gas pipeline.”

Additional Information: 

The decision comes after the Office of the Attorney General, representing the Department of Natural Resources, responded to Columbia Gas’ motion for a preliminary injunction, opposing the injunction and filing its own motion to dismiss the case. The State argued that “the pipeline project directly contravenes not only the State’s sovereignty, but also the State’s energy policy” and asked the federal court to dismiss the case. 

In June, 62 Maryland legislators released a letter publicly opposing Columbia Gas’ attempt to force through the pipeline. The legislators also declared their support for the Department of Natural Resources’ defense against this lawsuit. 

This pipeline has faced two years of public opposition from the public, grassroots groups, and legislators representing Maryland, West Virginia, and DC. In December 2018, 63 Maryland legislators called on Governor Hogan, Treasurer Nancy Kopp, and Comptroller Peter Franchot to reject the easement to build underneath the Rail/Trail. Dozens of activists also rallied at the Western Maryland Rail/Trail in Hancock on May 30th after the Columbia Gas filed the complaint.

Surface and groundwater, including drinking water sources, can suffer long-term harm during the construction of fracked-gas pipelines. A drilling blowout can release toxic drilling fluids into the soil and adjacent waters and construction can alter routes and rates of water flow. Once in operation, gas pipelines continue to pose contamination dangers. Pipeline leaks and failures can release methane, an explosive safety hazard and a potent greenhouse gas. 

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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.

About Chesapeake Climate Action Network:

The Chesapeake Climate Action Network is the oldest and largest grassroots organization dedicated exclusively to raising awareness about the impacts and solutions associated with global warming in the Chesapeake Bay region. For 16 years, CCAN has been at the center of the fight for clean energy and wise climate policy in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.chesapeakeclimate.org

About the Potomac Riverkeeper Network:

Potomac Riverkeeper Network is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization with three regional Waterkeeper branches: Potomac Riverkeeper, Upper Potomac Riverkeeper and Shenandoah Riverkeeper. Our mission is to protect the public’s right to clean water in our rivers and streams. We stop pollution to promote safe drinking water, protect healthy habitats, and enhance public use and enjoyment. For more information, visit http://www.potomacriverkeepernetwork.org.

Advocates & Elected Officials Rally in Support of State of Maryland’s Defense Against Columbia Gas Lawsuit

Organizations and elected officials held a press conference to show support for the state’s legal defense against Columbia Gas’ attempted land grab 

Baltimore, MD — Today, August 13th, state and local elected officials and advocates gathered in front of the Edward A. Garmatz U.S. Courthouse to support the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ “motion to dismiss” the eminent domain lawsuit by Columbia Gas Transmission, a subsidiary of TransCanada. Columbia Gas is suing to force the state to allow it to build a highly controversial fracked-gas pipeline underneath the Western Maryland Rail/Trail. In January, the Governor Hogan and the Maryland Board of Public Works unanimously rejected this right-of-way easement for what is known as the “Potomac Pipeline” project.

Facebook Live video available to watch here

High-res photos available upon request

Advocates held a mock “people’s court” with speakers serving as witnesses to explain that Columbia Gas is guilty of endangering the drinking water for millions and going against the will of the people and elected officials of Maryland. Activists called on Columbia Gas to stop their attempt to override the State’s sovereignty and energy policy and for the federal court to dismiss the case.

This pipeline has faced two years of sustained opposition from the public, grassroots groups, and legislators representing Maryland, West Virginia, and DC. Last month, 62 Maryland Legislators released a public letter opposing the lawsuit and supporting the state’s legal defense. 

QUOTES

Delegate Lorig Charkoudian, District 20:

“As legislators, it’s our job to represent Marylanders and that’s why we strongly oppose a private corporation’s attempt to seize a public park, owned by the state and used regularly by Marylanders for bicycling, hiking, jogging, and inline skating, through the extraordinary power of eminent domain. Back in January, Maryland unequivocally denied Columbia Gas the right to use this land to build their pipeline. We continue to stand with Marylanders to tell Columbia Gas that we don’t want your unnecessary and harmful pipeline in our state.”

Patrick Grenter, Senior Campaign Representative of Sierra Club:

“Over and over again, Marylanders have stood up to say they don’t want fracking, they don’t want fracked gas, and they don’t want Columbia Gas’ dirty pipeline. We’re holding this rally in hopes that Columbia Gas will finally get the message — keep your dirty, dangerous pipeline out of Maryland.”

Brooke Harper, Maryland Director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network: 

“Our governor, our legislators, and Maryland residents have repeatedly rejected this pipeline. It’s enraging that Columbia Gas wants to force this dirty fracked gas pipeline underneath America’s River. We hope the courts will stand with the people today and dismiss Columbia Gas’ attempt to override our democracy for a dangerous fracked-gas pipeline.”

Brent Walls, Upper Potomac Riverkeeper

“Columbia Gas is a corporate ‘bully’ that uses its fabricated need of fracked gas for corporate gains to their international shareholders. Columbia gas is guilty of pushing homeowners into signing contracts on a pipeline that not only endangers their drinking water, but their safety as well. And now, Columbia Gas is bullying the State of Maryland to give up it’s sovereign rights to state property.”

Tracy Cannon of Eastern Panhandle Protectors:

“Columbia Gas is guilty of working to build this poisonous pipeline with Mountaineer Gas of WV. This pipeline would be a dedicated line to one place- the highly polluting Rockwool insulation factory in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.”

CONTACT:
Doug Jackson, Sierra Club, 202.495.3045, doug.jackson@sierraclub.org 
Denise Robbins, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, 240.630.1889, denise@chesapeakeclimate.org 

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About the Sierra Club: 

The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 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. 

About Chesapeake Climate Action Network:

The Chesapeake Climate Action Network is the oldest and largest grassroots organization dedicated exclusively to raising awareness about the impacts and solutions associated with global warming in the Chesapeake Bay region. For 16 years, CCAN has been at the center of the fight for clean energy and wise climate policy in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.chesapeakeclimate.org 

About the Potomac Riverkeeper Network:

Potomac Riverkeeper Network is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization with three regional Waterkeeper branches: Potomac Riverkeeper, Upper Potomac Riverkeeper and Shenandoah Riverkeeper. Our mission is to protect the public’s right to clean water in our rivers and streams. We stop pollution to promote safe drinking water, protect healthy habitats, and enhance public use and enjoyment. For more information, visit http://www.potomacriverkeepernetwork.org. 

New Lawsuit Launched Against Mountain Valley Pipeline

RICHMOND, Va. — Conservation groups today launched a lawsuit challenging the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s approval of the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP). The petition for review of the project was filed with the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond. 

The Fish and Wildlife Service, which administers the Endangered Species Act, issued an opinion that allowed the pipeline to move forward — despite its serious threats to endangered species. The agency failed to accurately measure the pipeline’s impacts on endangered wildlife like the iconic Roanoke logperch and failed to set limits for how many threatened and endangered bats can be harmed or killed. 

The lawsuit seeks to vacate the Service’s decision and force the agency to re-evaluate the project’s impact. The groups argue that construction on the already-foundering pipeline should stop until that process is complete. 

Today, the groups also sent a letter to the agency requesting that it stay the biological opinion and incidental take statement pending court review. The species at issue include the Roanoke logperch, Indiana bat and Northern long-eared bat. The suit was filed by the Sierra Club on behalf of Wild Virginia, Appalachian Voices, Preserve Bent Mountain/BREDL, Defenders of Wildlife, Center for Biological Diversity, and Chesapeake Climate Action Network. 

Additionally, MVP does not have Clean Water Act authorization to cross streams and wetlands from the Army Corps, and does not have necessary U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management authorizations.

In response, Sierra Club Staff Attorney Elly Benson released the following statement:

“The fracked gas Mountain Valley Pipeline puts several endangered species in harm’s way, while serving only to line the pockets of polluting corporations. MVP has proven it can’t build this unnecessary pipeline without devastating streams and rivers, as well as the forest habitats of  Appalachia. The public should be able to trust that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is making protection of endangered species its highest priority, but it fell short of that obligation here.”

David Sligh, Conservation Director for Wild Virginia stated:

“The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, like numerous other government agencies tasked with protecting the public and our resources, failed to do its job. Citizens cannot and will not accept actions that endanger the future of some of our rarest and most precious wildlife species. This destructive pipeline has already caused great damage to the environment and the public and it must be stopped before that damage gets worse.”

Roberta Bondurant, Preserve Bent Mountain/BREDL, said:

“Our mountain communities continue to witness MVP ravage the forest, field, stream and wetland sanctuaries of species that have supposedly been protected by federal law. We ask USFWS and the courts to do no more—and no less—than uphold that law through a critical review of the Biological Opinion. At best, the writers of that document ignored evidence of MVP construction as a threat to species survival—survival which will ultimately implicate our own.”

Anne Havemann, General Counsel for the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, stated: 

“The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proven its carelessness in forcing through a permit for the similarly destructive Atlantic Coast Pipeline. We have seen this same carelessness in the Service’s permit for the Mountain Valley Pipeline. This pipeline has already wreaked havoc on the landscape; it must not be allowed to continue to jeopardize the existence of our invaluable endangered species.” 

Jared Margolis, Center for Biological Diversity senior attorney, said:

“This pipeline is a major threat to the Roanoke River system and the people and imperiled species that rely on it. Regulators can’t keep shrugging off the environmental harms of pipeline projects. We need to stop destroying habitats and waterways for fossil fuels that are driving the climate catastrophe.”

Jason Rylander, Senior Endangered Species Counsel for Defenders of Wildlife, said:

“The Mountain Valley Pipeline poses an enormous threat to the fish, wildlife, forests, and people in its path. The Trump administration and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service fast-tracked this project and failed to properly evaluate its impact on imperiled species. The Service needs to reconsider its biological opinion and further construction of this environmentally destructive project should cease before iconic species and landscapes are lost forever.” 

Contact: Doug Jackson, Sierra Club, (202) 495-3045 or doug.jackson@sierraclub.org
Jared Margolis, Center for Biological Diversity, (802) 310-4054, jmargolis@biologicaldiversity.org

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CCAN Statement: Offshore Wind Staging Center to Make Green Jobs in Baltimore A Reality

SPARROWS POINT, MD — Yesterday, officials with Tradepoint Atlantic and Orsted U.S. Offshore Wind announced the construction of Maryland’s first offshore wind energy staging center in Baltimore County. 

Mike Tidwell, Director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, stated in response: 

“The promise of high-quality green jobs in Baltimore from Maryland’s burgeoning offshore wind industry is no longer just a promise. As of Tuesday, it became a reality with the announcement of 1400 new jobs to come with Orsted’s offshore wind energy staging center planned for Baltimore County.

“We are delighted that this facility will be built at the site of a former steel mill in Sparrows Point, where jobs are sorely needed. Now we will not only bring 120 megawatts of good, clean electricity powered by the ocean winds to 35,000 Maryland homes, but we will also see an economic boon in the Baltimore region. 

“We congratulate all involved, including former Governor Martin O’Malley and his staff, who worked tirelessly with advocates during his administration to create this vision for offshore wind jobs in Maryland.”

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CONTACT:
Denise Robbins, Communications Director, 240-630-1889, denise@chesapeakeclimate.org
Mike Tidwell, Director, mtidwell@chesapeakeclimate.org

The Chesapeake Climate Action Network is the oldest and largest grassroots organization dedicated exclusively to raising awareness about the impacts and solutions associated with global warming in the Chesapeake Bay region. For 17 years, CCAN has been at the center of the fight for clean energy and wise climate policy in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.