Latest: Pipeline supporters pleased with federal assessment


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RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The Latest on the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline (all times local):

3:30 p.m.

Business and political leaders are applauding an environmental review of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline as a step forward in a project that they say will bring cleaner energy and economic development to Virginia and North Carolina.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission released its final environmental impact statement for the natural gas pipeline Friday. It found the project would have some negative impacts, though most could be reduced to insignificant levels.

EnergySure, a coalition of individuals, businesses and organization in the three states, called the project "a once-in-a-generation opportunity to revitalize our region's manufacturing economy."

Pipeline proponents say the reliable supply of natural gas will attract heavy manufacturers that have previously passed over Virginia and North Carolina. Natural gas is also a cleaner energy source than coal.

Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell and Speaker-designee M. Kirkland Cox say the report shows the pipeline will grow the state's economy, create jobs while also preserving the state's "environmental treasures."

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1:30 p.m.

Organizations that oppose the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline say the three-state project is far from a done deal, despite the release of an environmental review by federal regulators that's largely favorable for developers.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission released its final environmental impact statement for the natural gas pipeline Friday. It found the project would have some negative impacts, though most could be reduced to insignificant levels.

The Allegheny-Blue Ridge Alliance, a coalition of community groups and legal and technical experts who oppose the pipeline, pointed out that state-level water quality approvals are still pending in West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina. Other federal approvals are still pending and legal challenges have also been filed.

The Southern Environmental Law Center, which also opposes the project, said FERC had glossed over important environmental impacts in favor of green-lighting "another unneeded natural gas pipeline."

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11:50 a.m.

The lead developer of the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline says a "favorable" environmental review by federal regulators has paved the way for final approval of the $5 billion project.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission released its final environmental impact statement for the natural gas pipeline Friday. It found the project would have some negative impacts, though most could be reduced to insignificant levels.

Leslie Hartz, a vice president of Dominion Energy, said in a statement that the report "provides a clear path for final approval" in the fall.

She notes the company made more than 300 route adjustments to protect the environment or important features of individual properties.

The 600-mile pipeline would carry natural gas across West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina.

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An environmental assessment of the proposed Atlantic Coast natural gas pipeline finds the three-state project would have some adverse effects, including impacts on water resources, forest and other habitats, as well as endangered species.

The assessment was published Friday by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which oversees interstate natural gas pipelines. It says if developers use proper construction and mitigation techniques, most of those impacts could be reduced to "less-than-significant" levels.

The agency's commissioners will consider the analysis in making their final decision about whether to approve the 600-mile (965-kilometer) pipeline that would cross West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina.

The Atlantic Coast Pipeline has drawn opposition from environmental groups and many landowners. But many political and business leaders say it will provide cleaner energy and boost economic development.

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