CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — One of the biggest fossil fuel projects in West Virginia history gets a green light from the federal government, but there is still lots of controversy that involves a long, drawn-out fight, even in court, and it may not be over.
The Mountain Valley Pipeline was recently completed, and now the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, known as FERC, says the pipeline can begin transmitting natural gas.
The 300-mile pipeline starts near the Northern Panhandle, and heads south, eventually ending near Roanoke, Virginia. It will be one of the nation’s largest, most productive pipelines.
Environmentalists blocked it in court for many years over pollution concerns, but the company and state finally got the U.S. Supreme Court to give the go-ahead.
“I don’t want anybody to do anything, that’s going to harm West Virginia. But at the same time I celebrate. I celebrate the fact that we finally got gas in that Mountain Valley Pipeline,” said Gov. Jim Justice, (R) West Virginia.
“We do have concerns about the safety of the pipeline. Especially as it is being built in very steep terrain with highly erodible soil,” said Autumn Crowe, of the West Virginia Rivers Coalition.
The company hasn’t said what date gas will begin flowing, but it could be soon.
A spokesperson for Equitrans Midstream, MVP’s owner, said “We are pleased with the agencies’ decisions and the related communications regarding in-service authorization for the MVP project. Final preparations are underway to begin commercial operations.”
Environmentalists who have fought pipeline construction for more than a decade, say they will continue to pursue legal options, especially if the pipeline has any problems.