Mountain Valley Pipeline Changes Spark Eco Scoping Sessions
Published Date: 5/29/2025
Notice
Summary
Mountain Valley Pipeline wants to make changes to its pipeline in Virginia and North Carolina, and the government is asking the public to share their thoughts on how this might affect the environment. People have until June 21, 2025, to send in comments, which will help decide if the project moves forward. This is a big deal for local communities and could impact construction plans and costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Landowners May Face Easement or Condemnation
If you own land near the project in Pittsylvania County, Virginia or Rockingham County, North Carolina, a pipeline company may contact you to buy an easement to construct and operate the pipeline. You are not required to agree, but if FERC approves the project the company could use the Natural Gas Act to start condemnation (eminent domain) proceedings in court, and compensation would be determined by a judge under State law.
New and Permanent Land Impacts Near Pipeline
The Amendment Project would add about 51.0 acres of impact outside previously approved workspace and result in about 11.3 acres of permanent impact for operation. The changes also add 13.5 acres of temporary workspaces, two new contractor yards, and 3.8 acres of temporary access roads.
Safety Questions from Larger Pipeline Diameter and Capacity
The Amendment Project would increase pipeline diameter to 30 inches and raise operating capacity from 375,000 dekatherms per day (Dth/d) to 550,000 Dth/d. FERC staff specifically identified pipeline safety associated with the increased diameter and capacity as an issue to be evaluated in the environmental review.
Local Public Scoping Sessions and Comment Deadline
The Commission is taking public comments and will hold scoping sessions on June 16, 2025 (Chatham, VA) and June 17, 2025 (Wentworth, NC). To be considered in the scoping process, written or oral comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on June 21, 2025.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-12317 — Combined Notice of Filings #1
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got a bunch of new electric rate filings from big energy players like Public Service Company of Colorado, PJM Interconnection, and Southern California Edison. These filings include updates, service terminations, and new agreements that could affect electricity prices and service starting as soon as June 2026. If you’re involved in energy or just curious, keep an eye on comment deadlines in early July to have your say!
2026-12229 — Texas Eastern Transmission, LP; Notice of Schedule for the Preparation of An Environmental Assessment for the Longwall Mining Panel M2 and M3 Project
Texas Eastern Transmission is planning to upgrade its natural gas pipelines in Greene County, Pennsylvania, to keep things safe during underground mining. The government will finish an environmental check by November 13, 2026, and all final approvals should wrap up by February 11, 2027. This means local communities and agencies can expect a smooth review process with clear deadlines and no surprise delays.
2026-12336 — PacifiCorp; Notice of Application Accepted for Filing, Intent To Waive Scoping, Soliciting Motions To Intervene and Protests, Ready for Environmental Analysis, and Soliciting Comments, Recommendations, and Terms and Conditions
PacifiCorp wants to keep running its Ashton Hydroelectric Project on the Snake River in Idaho without a full license, and the government is ready to review the environmental impact. Local communities, environmental groups, and energy users can share their thoughts or raise concerns by August 14, 2026. This move could speed up clean energy production while protecting the river, with decisions and replies wrapping up by late September.
2026-12334 — Hawks Nest Hydro, LLC; Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Assessment
Hawks Nest Hydro, LLC plans to upgrade its hydroelectric project in West Virginia by replacing turbines, building new facilities, and switching power frequency to sell electricity to the regional grid. This will boost power output and improve recreational water flows. The government will review the environmental impact and expects to share its findings by October 30, 2026, with public input welcomed before the final decision.
2026-12316 — Combined Notice of Filings
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got new requests to change natural gas pipeline rates starting in July 2026. Companies like Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America and Bison Pipeline want to update their prices, which could affect customers and businesses using these pipelines. If you want to speak up or get involved, you’ve got until late June to file your comments or protests.
2026-12222 — Hackett Mills Hydro Associates, LLC; Notice of Reasonable Period of Time for Water Quality Certification Application
Hackett Mills Hydro Associates asked Maine’s environmental agency for permission to keep their water clean while running their hydro project. Maine has one year, until May 22, 2027, to approve or deny this request. If they don’t decide by then, the approval is automatically given, so the project can move forward without delay.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-09668 — Agency Collection Activities; Requesting Comments on Form 1099-CAP
The IRS wants your thoughts on Form 1099-CAP, which companies use to report certain stock payments. If you’re a business or investor dealing with these forms, this could affect you. They’re asking for feedback now to make sure the form is clear and easy to use—no changes or costs yet, just your input!
Next: 2025-09670 — Eugene Water & Electric Board; Notice of Application To Install a Load Bank in Lieu of Turbine Bypass Valve Required Under Article 3 Accepted for Filing, Soliciting Comments, Motions To Intervene, and Protests
Eugene Water & Electric Board wants to swap out a turbine bypass valve for a load bank at their Carmen-Smith Hydroelectric Project in Oregon. This change affects local rivers and forest land but won’t change power output or costs. The public can share their thoughts or get involved by June 23, 2025.