Call Rep. Mooney about H.R. 2295

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West Virginia Environmental Council Action Alert

Jun 5, 2015	View / Comment Online

On June 11, the House Natural Resources committee is scheduled to vote on H.R. 2295 known as the National Energy Security Corridors Act. It is more accurately described as the act to Jam Gas Pipelines Through Federal Land.What the bill would do: Within two years of passage, the Secretary of the Interior would have to establish natural gas pipeline corridors on Federal land –and national parks are not exempt. These corridors would be exempt from NEPA, so no review of environmental impacts would be required. Ten of these corridors would have to be in the eastern United States, and that would surely include the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. That pipeline begins in Harrison County and passes through eastern West Virginia, on its way to Virginia and North Carolina. It crosses the Monongahela National Forest. Because of the expedited timeline, state and local governments, to say nothing of private landowners would have little opportunity to impact the Federal decision.

What you can and should do: call Rep. Mooney, who serves on the committee and point out that this is another example of federal overreach that would expedite the use of eminent domain on private land adjacent to the public lands in the corridors. (202)225-2711 or (304) 925-5964

Also call Rep. Grijalva, the ranking Democrat on the committee and let him know affected citizens oppose the bill. (202)225-2435. Point out that public involvement is vital to making public decisions.

It goes without saying that the gas pipeline industry supports this bill making an end run around environmental laws.

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