"The agreement will fast-track the Mountain Valley pipeline, and limit the scope of environmental reviews for future developments".

"The deal to raise the US debt ceiling will have significant ramifications for the climate and nature, by fast-tracking a controversial gas pipeline in West Virginia and limiting the scope of environmental reviews for future developments, environmentalists have warned.

The agreement struck between Joe Biden and Republicans who control the House of Representatives states the Mountain Valley pipeline is “required in the national interest” and should be issued its necessary permits within 21 days and be shielded from legal challenge by those who object to it.

Environmentalists reacted in outrage at the deal, arguing the 300-mile (480km) pipeline, which will bring fracked gas from West Virginia to southern Virginia, will endanger hundreds of waterways, threaten landscapes including the nearby Appalachian trail and worsen the climate crisis.

“Singling out the Mountain Valley pipeline for approval in a vote about our nation’s credit limit is an egregious act,” said Peter Anderson, Virginia policy director at Appalachian Voices, a campaign group that has charted hundreds of environmental violations by the project across the two states."

Oliver Milman reports for the Guardian May 30, 2023. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Manchin Pipeline In Debt Ceiling Deal Prompts Democratic Pushback" (The Hill) [3]

"Debt Limit Deal Clears Key Hurdle Ahead Of Final House Vote" (CNN) [4]

"House Set to Vote on Debt Limit Bill as Republican Resistance Grows" (New York Times) [5]

"US Debt Ceiling Bill Faces Narrow Path To Passage In House" (Reuters) [6]