Biden administration approves West Virginia gas pipeline key permit
Why it matters: Biden needs Manchin and Manchin needs fossil fuels.
The Mountain Valley Pipeline has been opposed for years by environmentalists, civil rights activists, and many Virginia Democrats. Scientists have also warned that countries should stop approving new fossil fuel projects if they want to limit global warming, something President Biden says is a top priority.
But while Mr. Biden has set an ambitious climate agenda, he needs Mr. Manchin and moderate Republicans to achieve his goals. They are considered key to passing legislation that the White House says is critical to accelerating the construction of new wind, solar and other renewable energy projects.
In recent months, Mr. Biden has taken steps to bolster fossil fuels and placate centrists, while also trying to deflect Republican criticism that his climate policies are hurting American energy security. His administration approved the massive Willow oil project in Alaska, as well as increased Alaskan liquefied natural gas exports. Both projects were supported by Mr. Manchin and Sen. Lisa Murkowski, an Alaskan Republican who is also a major casting vote for Mr. Biden.
The White House did not respond to a request for comment.
Background: The project has been delayed for years.
Equitrans Midstream, the Pennsylvania-based company building the pipeline, says construction is nearing completion. But the project has been mired in legal delays for some four years.
Courts have twice rejected the Forest Service’s attempts to issue a permit for the construction of the Mountain Valley Pipeline through the Jefferson National Forest. Last year, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit ruled that the government’s environmental audits had taken place considered “insufficient”. including the effects of erosion.
The state forest is home to five protected species, including the endangered candy darter, a colorful freshwater fish, and old-growth forest. Environmentalists have vigorously opposed the project, arguing that it would destroy sensitive lands and ecosystems.
Jessica Sims, Virginia Field Coordinator for Appalachian Voices, an environmental group opposed to the pipeline, said the Biden administration’s decision “grossly underestimates the project’s lasting environmental damage.”
What’s next: More legal action and more regulatory decisions.
The Mountain Valley Pipeline is not a foregone conclusion. New lawsuits are expected challenging the Forest Service’s decision. A lawsuit is also pending regarding a recent permit decision by the Fish and Wildlife Service in favor of the pipeline.
There are also further regulatory hurdles. The Bureau of Land Management, responsible for approving pipelines that cross state lines, must decide whether to issue the required permits.
Mr Manchin said in a statement: “While I welcome the Forest Service’s announcement, the job is not done yet, and I will continue to urge the administration and everyone involved to finally complete the last 20 miles of this critical pipeline.”