Federal Court Throws Out Permit for Atlantic Coast Pipeline

By MICHAEL MARTZ Richmond Times-Dispatch 

The Atlantic Coast Pipeline faces an escalating legal battle for its existence after a three judge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday blocked a critical crossing of the Appalachian Trail through the Blue Ridge Mountains near Wintergreen Resort.

Dominion Energy, lead developer of the $7 billion project, vowed to immediately appeal

the panel’s ruling to the full 4th Circuit, based in Richmond, while opponents asked federal regulators to revoke the certificate they issued 14 months ago to build the 604-mile natural gas pipeline through three states.

The Southern Environmental Law Center, based in Charlottesville, asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to revoke the project’s certificate of public convenience and necessity. The move came after the 4th Circuit vacated a permit that the U.S. Forest Service issued to allow construction of the pipeline beneath the Appalachian National Scenic Trail between Augusta and Nelson counties.

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WE HAVE WINNERS!!!!

We are happy to announce the winners of the 50th Anniversary T-shirt and Bandana Contest.  Sonny Bowyer submitted the winning T-shirt design and Merideth Henry is the lucky winner of the Bandana Design.   Each one will receive 2 tickets to the ODATC 50th Anniversary Party held at the Richmond Country Club October 26, 2019.  Both items will be available for sale by February, 2019.  

Congratulations to Sonny and Merideth!!  

A.T. VISTA 2020

SAVE THE DATE!

July 31,2020 - August 3, 2020

Location:  Ramapo College, Mahwah, NJ

What is an A.T. VISTA?

To provide a forum for the engagement of activities on and near the Appalachian Trail, offering hiking, educational, cultural, and historical learning programs, working with trail clubs, local communities, and nearby partner organizations.

A.T. Vista aims to be recognized as THE forum for engagement of all who cherish the future of the Appalachian Trail’s protection, stewardship, and connection of the human spirit with nature while increasing participation from younger and diverse members.

Hike, Learn, Play. 

• Hike - hiking and other trail-related excursions, such as bird watching
• Learn - educational opportunities of A.T. Vista at workshops.
• Play - meeting new friends, seeing old acquaintances, and engaging in evening entertainment or excursions.

For more Information, visit www.atvista.org