"Appeals Court Halts Mountain Valley Pipeline Construction Despite Congressional Opposition"

The 4th Circuit Court of Appeals has once again halted construction on the Mountain Valley Pipeline, a controversial natural gas pipeline in Virginia and West Virginia, despite Congress passing legislation requiring its approval. Environmentalists argue that Congress overstepped its authority and violated the separation of powers. The pipeline company is considering an emergency appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. The stay focuses on a section of the pipeline that cuts through the Jefferson National Forest, with environmentalists claiming it will cause erosion and harm soil and water quality. The court also issued a similar stay related to allegations of Endangered Species Act violations. The pipeline is already substantially complete, and the project's lawyers argue that Congress has the right to strip the court's jurisdiction over the case.