WV Rivers News: Last Chance to Comment on Pipeline Stream Crossing; Climate News; We’re Hiring
MVP Stream Crossing Permit Comment Period Closes on Nov. 19
You might remember submitting comments to the Army Corps of Engineers earlier this spring on the Mountain Valley Pipeline’s request to cross streams. Because of intense public interest in the permit – known as a 404 Certification – the Army Corps opened up a second comment period and hosted a public hearing. Read news coverage on the public hearing.
Now, the second comment period is coming to a close. If you haven’t already sent comments to the Army Corps on MVP’s request to cross streams like the Gauley and Greenbrier Rivers – please take action today!
In case you missed it, check out a blog by staff member Autumn Crowe on her experience flying the path of the pipeline.
And in a new video on Mountain Valley Pipeline, you can see footage from Autumn’s flight while our executive director, Angie Rosser, discusses how the pipeline intersects with the drinking water for millions of people.
Action Alert: Legislative Committee Will Consider Water Quality Standards in December
In our October e-newsletter, we shared information on the upcoming legislative session and highlighted one of our top legislative priorities – revisions to water quality standards. Now, we have our first call to action related to the revisions! Between December 5-7, the Joint Legislative Rule-Making Committee is expected to meet to discuss agency rules, like the WVDEP’s Water Quality Standards.
A few years ago, the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee dramatically weakened a proposed water quality standards rule by removing an important amendment. The action by the Rule-Making Review Committee set the tone for the Legislature and the weakened rule was eventually adopted.
Contact members of the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee today! Tell them to protect your drinking water – no loopholes for polluting industries!
West Virginians Rally for Climate Action – Congress Moves a Step Closer to Making it Happen
On a rainy and chilly Saturday afternoon over 100 advocates gathered at the Robert C. Byrd Courthouse in Charleston to show Congress, and specifically Senator Manchin, that West Virginians take climate change seriously and want decision-makers to do something about it.
Watch a short video on the rally.
In early November, Congress took a step towards meaningful climate action by passing the bipartisan infrastructure package.
The legislative package, supported by Senator Manchin, Senator Capito, and Representative McKinley, provides significant investments to improve access to clean, safe water; enhance energy efficiency; and reclaim abandoned mine lands and orphaned gas wells.
But there is still work for Congress to do!
They must pass a budget reconciliation bill with strong climate provisions. The budget reconciliation is the key to unlocking all the important policies the infrastructure package lays out and it builds upon them. This is a once in a generation opportunity to invest in West Virginia’s communities and wild places.
Right now, Senator Manchin needs to hear from West Virginians about the urgent need for climate legislation. That’s why, on Thursday, November 18, we will be joining the West Virginia Climate Alliance to deliver a petition to Senator Manchin’s office with the names of West Virginians who care about and demand climate action.
Be part of the petition – send Senator Manchin a message by 10AM Thursday, November 18.
Congress Considers Forever Chemical Protections
Toxic Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, or PFAS, are known as forever chemicals because they do not breakdown in our environment. Right now, there are no uniform drinking water standards for these chemicals even though they are contaminating water sources across the US, including West Virginia.
The U.S. Senate is expected to consider amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act which would address the toxins. Provisions under consideration would include:
- Cleaning up contaminated military properties, like Shepherd Air National Guard Base in WV.
- Phasing out unnecessary use of PFAS on military bases.
- Closing loopholes on PFAS reporting.
- Placing a moratorium on incineration of firefighting foam containing PFAS until studies are completed.
West Virginian’s own Senator Capito has shown persistent leadership in tackling PFAS contamination. We’ll be keeping a close eye on the PFAS amendments as the Senate considers the Act in the coming days.
We’re Seeking a Public Lands Campaign Coordinator
The WV Rivers team at a recent staff retreat visiting the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.