"Manchin Won a Pledge From Democrats to Finish a Contested Pipeline"

"To cement the senator’s support for a climate and tax package, party leaders promised to pass a law to complete the line and to prioritize some other fossil fuel projects."

"WASHINGTON — Senator Joe Manchin III of West Virginia has secured a promise from Democratic leaders and the White House to complete a highly contested 304-mile gas pipeline in his state, his office said, a major concession won as part of negotiations over a climate and tax bill.

Mr. Manchin, who clinched a surprise agreement last week among Democrats to pass landmark climate legislation, made easing permits for energy projects a requirement of the deal. On Monday, his office made public details of the side agreement he struck with Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the Democratic majority leader, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and President Biden.

It would ensure that federal agencies “take all necessary actions to permit the construction and operation” of the gas line, known as the Mountain Valley Pipeline. The project — which has been opposed for years by environmentalists, civil rights activists and many Democratic state lawmakers in Virginia — would carry natural gas from the Marcellus shale fields in West Virginia across nearly 1,000 streams and wetlands before ending in Virginia."

Lisa Friedman reports for the New York Times August 1, 2022.

SEE ALSO:

"Democrats Got a Climate Bill. Joe Manchin Got Drilling, and More." (New York Times)

"Democrats’ Side Deal With Manchin Would Speed Up Projects, West Virginia Gas" (Washington Post)

 

Source: NYTimes, 08/02/2022