GAIN Applauds SCOTUS Ruling on Atlantic Coast Pipeline
In an important victory for energy infrastructure development, the Supreme Court today overturned a lower-court ruling that would have blocked construction of the Atlantic Coast natural gas pipeline from crossing the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in Virginia. In its 7-2 decision, SCOTUS determined the U.S. Forest Service has authority to grant the pipeline a right of way under the hiking trail in the George Washington National Forest. The $8 billion natural gas project begins in West Virginia and traverses Virginia before terminating in North Carolina.
Below is a statement that can be attributed to me, Craig Stevens, spokesman for the GAIN Coalition:
“The Supreme Court’s ruling is a key win for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline and energy infrastructure development across the nation. While activist challenges to permitted energy infrastructure attempt to delay construction of critical pipelines and bog down the courts, today’s ruling sends a reassuring message that facts and commonsense will ultimately prevail. Policymakers, regulators, and the legal system have a duty to ensure regulatory certainty for infrastructure developers who meet the necessary permitting and safety standards. Today’s decision is a significant step in the right direction and we look forward to the completion of Atlantic Coast and its important role in bolstering our nation’s energy security.”
