Debt ceiling deal calls for expedited completion of Mountain Valley Pipeline through West Virginia, Virginia

WASHINGTON — The debt ceiling deal awaiting congressional approval includes sections that clearly state the importance of completing the Mountain Valley Pipeline through West Virginia and Virginia and call for the project be expedited.

“The Congress hereby finds and declares that the timely completion of construction and operation of the Mountain Valley Pipeline is required in the national interest. The Mountain Valley Pipeline will serve demonstrated natural gas demand in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions, will increase reliability of natural gas supplies and the availability at reasonable prices, will allow natural gas producers to access additional markets for their product, and will reduce carbon emissions and facilitate the energy transition,” according to a section of the debt ceiling act titled “Expediting Completion of the Mountain Valley Pipeline.”

The language in the bill expedites regulatory authorizations, forcing “agencies to take all necessary actions to permit the construction of the pipeline,” according to reporting by Bloomberg News. The bill also transfers all future litigation to the D.C. Circuit instead of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.

The bill further reads, “Notwithstanding any other provision of law, not later than 21 days after the date of enactment of this Act and for the purpose of facilitating the completion of the Mountain Valley Pipeline, the Secretary of the Army shall issue all permits or verifications necessary: To complete the construction of the Mountain Valley Pipeline across the waters of the United State and … to allow of the operation and maintenance of the Mountain Valley Pipeline.”

West Virginia’s two U.S. Senators, Democrat Joe Manchin and Republican Shelley Moore Capito, have championed the completion of the Mountain Valley Pipeline.

“Last summer, I introduced legislation to complete the Mountain Valley Pipeline,” Manchin said. “I am pleased Speaker McCarthy and his leadership team see the tremendous value in completing the MVP to increase domestic energy production and drive down costs across America and especially in West Virginia.

“I am proud to have fought for this critical project and to have secured the bipartisan support necessary to get it across the finish line.”

Capito said the bill will serve as a “significant victory for the future of West Virginia.”

“After working with Speaker McCarthy and reiterating what completing the Mountain Valley Pipeline would mean for American jobs and domestic energy production, I am thrilled it is included in the debt ceiling package that avoids default,” Capito said.

“Despite delay after delay, we continued to fight to get this critical natural gas pipeline up and running, and its inclusion in this deal is a significant victory for the future of West Virginia.”

The legislation also has the support of Rep. Carol Miller, R-West Virginia, who represents the First District. She plans to vote for the bill.

“Speaker McCarthy, Congressman Graves, Congressman McHenry, and the whole negotiating team delivered a win for the American people. We’re cutting spending, reducing regulations, and not raising taxes while ensuring we prevent default,” Miller said.

“Since coming to Congress, I’ve worked tirelessly alongside my West Virginia colleagues to complete the Mountain Valley Pipeline. Finally, Republicans and Democrats are coming together to finish the Mountain Valley Pipeline which will create more jobs, lower energy costs, and protect our environment. This bill is a bipartisan win for every American.

“I’ll be voting yes and encourage all of my colleagues, Republicans and Democrats, to join me,” Miller said.

The bill drew criticism from some environmental groups, including Appalachian Voices.

“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 with Appalachian Voices. “By attempting to suspend the rules for a pipeline company that has repeatedly polluted communities’ water and flouted the conditions in its permits, the president and Congress would deny basic legal protections, procedural fairness, and environmental justice to communities along the pipeline’s path.”

“Changes to environmental laws and favors to fossil fuel companies have no place in a bill to raise the debt ceiling.” said Chelsea Barnes, Director of Government Affairs and Strategy. “Congress should reject this legislation and pass a clean debt ceiling bill.”