WV Rivers News: 2 Calls to Action, Public Lands Report, Events
At the end of June, the Supreme Court issued a decision on an important environmental law case, West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency (WV v. EPA). In ruling, the Court restricted the EPA’s ability to regulate emissions from power-plants based on a generation shifting approach, in particular for coal-fired power plants. Read a blog on the decision by our climate coordinator, Morgan King.
This ruling reinforces the need for immediate Congressional action to avoid the worst effects of climate change. If you’re a West Virginia resident, you can contact Senator Joe Manchin and Senator Shelley Moore Capito and ask that they take science-based action to address climate change and its impacts.
If you live outside of West Virginia, you can look up your representatives here and your Senators here to contact them and demand urgent action on climate change via emissions reduction.
Important Comment Period on the Mountain Valley Pipeline Open Until July 29
Add your name to WV Rivers’ comments on the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) extension request by July 29. Sign here. Already added your name? Forward this on to a friend!
The MVP is already 4 years behind schedule and $3 billion over budget. Again and again, courts have sided with environmental interests and invalidated key permits and certifications for the project related to endangered species and water quality.
Now, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is reviewing a request by the MVP to extend the timeline for project completion by 4 years. This is their second extension request.
Add your name to WV Rivers request that FERC deny Mountain Valley Pipeline’s extension! Read our draft comments here.
Listening to Ohio River Valley Residents
In mid-July, Ohio River coordinator, Heather Sprouse, traveled along the Ohio River to hear from residents who are deeply connected to the river and their communities. Community listening sessions were held in Wheeling, Marietta and Huntington.
The conversations during these sessions will help inform a regional restoration plan for the Ohio River Valley that will be delivered to Congress in 2023.
Some of the main water related issues discussed include flooding, fracking waste, toxic pollution in drinking water, water affordability and the need for updated infrastructure. Read a blog post by Heather on her experience touring the Ohio River Valley.
If you’d like to share your story and vision for the future of the Ohio River, send Heather a message.
Jordan Lubetkin of the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) speaks with community members gathered in Marietta. NWF, of which WV Rivers is the West Virginia affiliate, is helping local organizers craft a vision for the Ohio River that will be delivered to Congress.
New Report Summarizing Mon National Forest Listening Sessions
Last Fall, we hosted a series of listening session on recreation and conservation in the Monongahela Forest. Now we’re excited to share the final report summarizing what we heard.
Common themes we heard across the sessions included improved access; trail maintenance; water quality and sensitive landscape protection; and improved mapping.
We’ll be hosting a lunch & learn on the report on Saturday, July 23 as part of our Rivers Celebration in Hendricks, WV. Learn more and RSVP. Free lunch provided to registrants.
If you would like to know more about this report, email public lands coordinator Mike Jones.
Opportunities to Learn, Connect, and Get Inspired
Berkeley County Youth Fair – August 3
Head to the Berkeley County Youth Fair on August 3, from 4:00-8:00Opm for a Water Fair! Learn about water conservation and participate in fun activities.
E-Council’s 2022 Environmental Summit – September 24 and 25
