A major East Coast natural gas pipeline, the Mountain Valley Pipeline, has been granted approval to begin operating after six years of construction and at a cost that more than doubled its initial estimate. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has given the green light for the 303-mile project that spans across challenging terrains in West Virginia and Virginia, despite opposition from environmental groups, landowners, and some officials.
The pipeline, with a price tag of $7.85 billion, aims to meet the rising energy demands in the South and mid-Atlantic regions by transporting gas from the Marcellus and Utica fields in Pennsylvania and Ohio. The project faced numerous hurdles, including weather delays, legal battles, and regulatory scrutiny.
Congress mandated the issuance of all necessary permits for the pipeline as part of a bipartisan bill last year, which was signed into law by President Joe Biden. U.S. Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia has voiced support for the pipeline, citing its importance for energy infrastructure and American energy security.
Despite concerns raised by environmental groups regarding the pipeline's impact on endangered species, climate change, and erosion, the project has moved forward. The pipeline developers have indicated readiness to commence gas flow along the pipeline to meet market demands.
Residents along the pipeline route have expressed frustration over landscape alterations and water quality issues. Protests and disruptions have occurred during the construction phase, with some incidents of equipment damage reported.
Following a recent pipe burst during testing in Virginia, safety testing and remediation efforts were requested by local authorities. However, FERC has deemed the construction areas stable and satisfactory for operation, allowing the pipeline to move forward.
In a significant development, EQT Corp., a Pittsburgh-based natural gas company, announced an agreement to acquire Equitrans Midstream, the leading developer of the Mountain Valley Pipeline, in an all-stock transaction.
