Government Energy Policy, Business and Technology

US regulators OK Atlantic Coast, Mountain Valley pipelines

AP: RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A divided panel of federal regulators granted approvals Friday evening for the Atlantic Coast and Mountain Valley natural gas pipelines, major East Coast projects.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s authorization had been widely expected by both supporters and opponents of the pipelines. The certificates granted by the commission came with dozens of conditions, and other necessary permits for both projects are still pending.

Both pipelines would start in West Virginia, carrying gas from the Appalachian basin to U.S. markets. Prominent business and political leaders in all three affected states back the projects, saying they will lower energy costs and boost economic development. But opponents, including environmental groups and landowners, say the projects will infringe on property rights, damage pristine areas and commit the region to fossil fuels for decades.

One of the three commissioners, Cheryl LaFleur, dissented. She wrote that she couldn’t conclude either project was in the public interest, a determination she said was heavily influenced by similarities in their routes, impact, and timing.

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