Federal Court Halts Manchin-Backed Mountain Valley Pipeline Despite Congressional Order
Construction on the Mountain Valley Pipeline, a natural gas pipeline being built through Virginia and West Virginia, has been halted once again by a federal appeals court, despite a recent congressional order to issue all necessary permits. The court's stay focuses on a three-mile section of the pipeline that cuts through the Jefferson National Forest, with environmentalists arguing that the construction plan will cause erosion and harm soil and water quality. Supporters of the project, including Senator Joe Manchin, have criticized the court's decision, stating that it ignores the law passed by Congress. The pipeline, which is 94% complete, is projected to transport natural gas and create jobs and tax revenue for the region.