Virginia DEQ Action Against the ACP is the Right Message

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA—Today the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality took a step in the right direction towards protecting our state waters by notifying Atlantic Coast Pipeline developers of violations of Virginia’s State Water Control Law connected to tree felling activities. In response to this notice of violation the Southern Environmental Law Center issues the following statement:

“We are pleased that DEQ displayed its commitment to protecting Virginians and our water from harm caused by the Atlantic Coast Pipeline,” said Southern Environmental Law Center Senior Attorney Greg Buppert. “ACP developers have shown that they can’t ensure that on-the-ground pipeline activities will meet the requirements of state law. And today those same developers requested an unwarranted 2-month extension of the March 15 tree-cutting deadline that was put in place to protect migratory birds. It is our hope that DEQ will continue with strong oversight of this unneeded and risky project.”

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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