WV Rivers News: Pipeline Update, Free Webinar, Clean Power Plan, National Monuments
Pipeline Update: December Public Hearings on ACP and MXP
Sediment from the construction of the Rover Pipeline flowing into Meathouse Fork in Doddridge County. Photo by WVDEP.
This month WVDEP is holding public hearings on two major natural gas pipelines, the Mountaineer XPress Pipeline, December 11 & 12, and the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, December, 18 & 21. Each public hearing focuses on stormwater and sediment control permits, which regulate runoff from oil and gas development. Check out our guide to stormwater permits to learn more. Thorough scrutiny of the stormwater permits is critical for the protection of WV’s waters, especially since WVDEP has waived their authority to issue a 401 Water Quality Certification for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. This is the same authority WVDEP waived for the Mountain Valley Pipeline.
WVDEP is gambling with water quality, betting on companies being responsible for maintaining their sediment and erosion controls. We’re conducting a technical review of these permits, preparing to ramp up our citizens monitoring efforts, and counting on you to help in holding the companies and WVDEP accountable. Attend one of the upcoming stormwater permit public hearings and stay tuned for more information on how you can help guard our streams!
Clean Power Plan Public Hearing Held in Charleston
Audience view of the Clean Power Plan hearing in Charleston. Photo by EPA.
In late November, Charleston was the site of EPA’s public hearing on the proposed repeal of the Clean Power Plan. About 300 people testified during the hearing, including WV Rivers executive director Angie Rosser. You can read Angie’s comments in this blog post by the National Wildlife Federation. WV Rivers proudly serves as the NWF affiliate in West Virginia, you can learn more here.
EPA received considerable backlash for scheduling just one public hearing. This week, EPA announced three additional public hearings. Make your voice heard,you can submit comments on the proposed Clean Power Plan repeal. Written comments will be accepted through January 16, 2018. Learn how to comment here.
Free Webinar Series For WV Grassroots Organizations
An organization is only as good as its people, that’s why WV Rivers has developed a free webinar series to help strengthen grassroots organizations in West Virginia. The first webinar, Building Volunteer Involvement in Your Organization, is scheduled for December 19 at 10am. Register here.
Leading the webinar is Caroline Bott the Leadership Development Manager at River Network. Caroline will provide insight on what motivates volunteers, tips for engagement and management of volunteers, and how to steward volunteers into leadership roles to build a successful watershed organization. Register here.
Appalachian Gas Working Group Coordinator Joins the WV Rivers Team
WV Rivers, in partnership with the WV Chapter of the Sierra Club, is pleased to announce the hiring of Eve Marcum-Atkinson who will serve as the Appalachian Gas Working Group (AGWG) Coordinator.
Based in Huntington, Eve brings 8 years of experience in community organizing, event planning and program management to the AGWG.
The AGWG is a coalition of approximately 25 organizations coordinating efforts to end public harm from fracking and fracked oil and gas infrastructure, and to support healthy communities, property rights and a just transition to clean renewable energy. Eve will assist in managing the AGWG Strategic Plan and will facilitate communication and coordination among the working group.
Public Lands Working Group Gathers to Chart Policy Agenda
Members of the West Virginians for Public Lands working group.
WV Rivers hosted partners of the West Virginians for Public Lands alliance (WVPL) December 1 in Oak Hill to select policy priorities for the coming months. The alliance is made up of 67 businesses and organizations working to protect and enhance the benefits of public lands to West Virginians.
Right now, you can show your support for public lands by signing WVPL’s petitionagainst President Trump’s executive order to drastically change Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments. Learn more.
Give the Gift of Clean Water
As we come to the end of 2017, please consider giving WV Rivers a head start in the new year by making tax-deductible donation. Whether you live in West Virginia, depend on our streams for your drinking water, or come here to play, our rivers and streams are counting on you. Please donate today.
Gift yourself or the river lovers in your life a limited edition WV Rivers t-shirt designed by Eddie Spaghetti Art! These super soft organic cotton tees are available in unisex and women’s specific cuts. Make sure to purchase yours by Friday Dec. 15 to ensure delivery by Christmas!
Don’t forget, when you shop at Amazon Smile a portion of your purchase is donated to WV Rivers!
WV Rivers in the News
A Voice from Coal Country: Looking for a Better Future for People and Wildlife
Chinese Company Signs 20-Year West Virginia Gas Deal
Jefferson County Leading the Way for Clean Water in WV
EPA hosts second day of public hearings in Charleston
Even the heart of coal country wants to keep the Clean Power Plan
Clean Power Plan fight plays out in West Virginia coal country
In the heart of coal country, EPA gets an earful about Clean Power Plan’s fate
Gazette editorial: WV abdicates responsibility in pipeline question
Waiver aside, WV regulators express confidence in pipeline oversight
China gas deal with WV generates more questions than answers
