Atlantic Coast Pipeline Stopped in its Tracks

RICHMOND, Va. — The United States Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals has issued a decision in a case brought by Defenders of Wildlife, Virginia Wilderness Committee and Sierra Club, and argued by the Southern Environmental Law Center, that requires all construction and any activity associated with the Atlantic Coast Pipeline halt immediately. The three judge panel found the United States Fish and Wildlife Service’s Biological Opinion required to certify the Atlantic Coast Pipeline did not meet minimum legal standards.

“Like other agencies, the Fish and Wildlife Service rushed this pipeline approval through under intense political pressure to meet developers’ timelines. We are grateful this decision upholds the protection of endangered species as the law requires.  It's foolish and shortsighted to risk losing rare species for an unnecessary and costly pipeline boondoggle,” said DJ Gerken, Southern Environmental Law Center Managing Attorney, Asheville office.

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For more than 30 years, the Southern Environmental Law Center has used the power of the law to champion the environment of the Southeast. With over 70 attorneys and nine offices across the region, SELC is widely recognized as the Southeast’s foremost environmental organization and regional leader. SELC works on a full range of environmental issues to protect our natural resources and the health and well-being of all the people in our region. www.SouthernEnvironment.org