This week, people continue to resist the Mountain Valley Pipeline. Some folks have complained to the company about noise from compressor stations. Also, why is Appalachia so prone to severe flooding? We spoke with a reporter whose team dug into the data to find out. And, a good blanket will keep you warm on a cold night, but a handmade temperature blanket can convey a message to a loved one.
Environmentalists Question Future Gas Storage Hub In Light Of Federal Spending Language
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Language included in the federal spending deal Congress passed this week could imperil a major natural gas storage project planned for the Ohio Valley that is seeking a $1.9 billion federal loan guarantee, according to environmental advocates.
In June, an amendment by Democratic Reps. Ilhan Omar from Minnesota and Pramila Jayapal of Washington, sought to clarify requirements for the Department of Energy’s Title XVII Innovative Energy Loan Guarantee Program. The program was designed to finance clean energy and advanced technology projects.
The amendment stipulates the program should only be used “for projects that avoid, reduce or sequester air pollutants or anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases and employ new or significantly improved technologies as compared to commercial technologies in service in the United States upon issuance of the loan guarantee.”
Language from the amendment was included in the guidance document, or manager’s report, associated with the $1.4 trillion spending package snaking its way through Congress this week. The newly-passed spending package, which the president is expected to sign, provides $29 million to the Title XVII program.
A screenshot of the manager’s report associated with the 2020 federal spending bill package, H.R. 1865.
Some environmental groups argue the new language makes it clear the so-called Appalachian Storage and Trading Hub, a fossil fuel storage project, should not qualify.
The project, which has been in the works for nearly a decade, would provide underground storage for natural gas liquids like ethane, which are used to make plastics and other products. It has the support of West Virginia’s Congressional delegation and Justice administration.
Project developers are currently seeking a federally-backed $1.9 billion loan under the Title XVII program.
“The idea that we’re going to use a clean energy program to incentivize the build out of a plastics industry that is going to lead to more fracking and lead to more emissions of greenhouse gases flies in the face of the purpose of the program,” said Mitch Jones with environmental group Food & Water Watch.
Experts say building ethane storage is key to attracting new plastics and petrochemical manufacturers to the region.
In an emailed statement, Steve Hedrick, president and CEO of the Appalachian Development Group, LLC (ADG), said he remains confident the project will move forward.
“ADG’s engagement with the DOE on its Part II application of under DOE’s Title XVII authority is authorized under the current standard,” he said. “If those standards change as presented publicly, [the Appalachian Storage and Trading Hub] still meets the criteria.”
A representative for the Department of Energy declined to comment on specifics related to the project or the new Congressional language.
Following the vandalism of a transformer at an East Lynn mine power substation last week, which resulted in an oil leak, Wayne Water customers have been unable to use their water for a full week.
What some are calling the largest storm to hit the country in recent memory is set to arrive in West Virginia Saturday. It is expected to bring with it snow and ice, leading to slick roads and downed power lines.
Over the last several years, catastrophic floods have washed out parts of eastern Kentucky and southern West Virginia, as well as North Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee. Why are the mountains getting so much flooding? And what do frequent major storms mean for the future? Inside Appalachia host Mason Adams spoke with Brady Dennis with The Washington Post. He and a team of journalists investigated those questions.
