Opponents of the Mountain Valley Pipeline have experienced a tumultuous few years. In the summer of 2022, Senator Joe Manchin made a deal with President Joe Biden and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. He agreed to vote for the Inflation Reduction Act in exchange for a commitment to pass a bill that would try to compel approval of the pipeline. Since the deal was made, the opponents have experienced both successes and setbacks.

The Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) is a natural gas pipeline project that runs approximately 303 miles from northwestern West Virginia to southern Virginia. The pipeline is designed to transport natural gas from the Marcellus and Utica shale formations to markets in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern United States.

The project has been controversial since it was first proposed in 2014. Environmental groups have raised concerns about the potential impact of the pipeline on water quality, wildlife, and communities along the route. There have also been concerns about the safety of natural gas pipelines in general, particularly in light of recent pipeline accidents.

Despite these concerns, construction of the MVP began in February 2018. Since then, there have been numerous delays due to legal challenges and permit issues. As of early 2021, the pipeline is still under construction and is not yet operational.

Opponents, including Wild Virginia, argue that the environmental risks of the pipeline outweigh any potential benefits, and that renewable energy sources should be prioritized instead.

MVP SOUTHGATE EXTENSION

The Southgate Extension is a proposed addition to the Mountain Valley Pipeline project. The extension would run from Pittsylvania County, Virginia, to Rockingham and Alamance counties in North Carolina. The proposed route is approximately 75 miles long and would cross through sensitive environmental areas, including the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Dan River.

Opponents of the Southgate Extension and the Mountain Valley Pipeline project as a whole argue that the construction and operation of the pipelines would threaten the environment, including local water sources and endangered species habitats. Additionally, many are concerned about the potential for methane leaks and explosions, which could pose a serious threat to nearby communities.

Recently, a revised Southgate Extension project plan of 31 miles was announced instead of the original 72 miles. This plan would mean it will not have to apply for a permit for an additional compressor station, which was denied by the Virginia State Air Pollution Control Board in 2021. Equitrans reports that this new plan will require fewer water crossings and no new compressor station, and acknowledges that construction delays on the mainline project have impacted this new plan.

Denali Nalamalapu, of the Protect Our Water, Heritage, Rights Coalition (POWHR) says, “Despite receiving a free pass from the federal government, the MVP continues to crumble before our eyes. For nearly ten years, communities along the route have declared this project impossible and deadly. Now, after meeting with its clients, we see further admission from MVP that they can’t follow through with the foolhardy plan they set out with.”

Wild Virginia is also fighting this effort.

The Mountain Valley Pipeline company has been aware of the potential danger posed to the communities along the pipeline route, yet their financial interests remain a top priority. Their new proposal acknowledges that fewer waterways will be affected and a compressor station will be avoided. However, this does not negate the harmful impact on water and air quality and the resulting health issues for the community.

Overall, the Southgate Extension and the Mountain Valley Pipeline project have been the subject of much controversy and debate. These contentious issues raise important questions about energy policy, environmental protection, and community engagement. As the project continues to unfold, it will be important to carefully consider all perspectives and to work towards a sustainable and just energy future.

It remains to be seen whether the project will move forward, and if so, what impact it will have on the environment and local communities.