The Wilderness Society opposes permitting bill that undermines communities’ voice and bedrock environmental safeguards
Site of a project in Moab, Utah, to relocate radioactive mill tailings away from the Colorado River
Kelly Michals, Flickr
Any permitting bill that sacrifices communities for fossil fuel interests is not an option
Congress is presently considering proposals to change permitting policy and procedures for federal projects that would accelerate destructive fossil fuel and other development projects nationwide.
Legislation under consideration in the Senate would undermine bedrock safeguards that ensure communities have a voice in federal projects and an ability to fight activities that threaten their health and futures.
This proposal would make it harder to stop drilling, mining and pipeline projects that threaten communities’ well-being—and would approve construction of the Mountain Valley Pipeline, slated to cut through the Appalachian Mountains and endanger clean water, forests and farms.
Below is a statement from Jill Gottesman, Southern Appalachian Landscape Director at The Wilderness Society.
“We oppose any permitting bill that expedites the Mountain Valley Pipeline and undermines bedrock safeguards that ensure communities can fight to protect their health and safety. We won’t stand for the continued sacrifice of communities in Appalachia, or anywhere else, for the benefit of fossil fuel interests,” said Jill Gottesman, Southern Appalachian Landscape Director at The Wilderness Society. “The NEPA process gives communities a voice, and we vehemently oppose any legislation that would silence them and fast-track dirty and harmful projects.”
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For more information, contact Tony Iallonardo at newsmedia@tws.org
