Atlantic Coast Pipeline Aimed for Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a lower court decision and upheld a key permit that may allow Dominion Energy to build a section of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline underneath the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

Earlier this year, The National Parks Conservation Association joined the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks and prominent park advocates Jon Jarvis, former director of the National Park Service, and Pam Underhill, former Superintendent of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, in filing a joint amicus brief supporting conservation respondents in U.S. Forest Service, et al. v. Cowpasture River Preservation Association, et al. All amici curiae listed above are represented by counsel from Eubanks & Associates, LLC.

Statement by Theresa Pierno, President and CEO for the National Parks Conservation Association:

“Pipelines do not belong in our parks. Dominion Energy is on the verge of building a pipeline underneath the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, and today’s Supreme Court ruling only makes it easier for them. This ruling flies in the face of underlying federal laws intended to protect parks from this exact kind of threat. Federal agencies are prohibited by law from granting pipeline crossings across lands in the National Park System.

“The Appalachian Trail welcomes millions of hikers each year. People come from all over the world to enjoy more than 2,000 miles of trail, offering one-of-a-kind respite from the stresses of daily life. This project threatens their unique visitor experience, along with priceless mountain streams and clean air.

"While the pipeline still requires a number of other permits to move forward, which are themselves being challenged in court, we are disappointed by the Court’s decision. It fails to honor the commitment made to the American public to protect special places by designating them as units of the National Park System.”

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About The National Parks Conservation Association: Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its nearly 1.4 million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s most iconic and inspirational places for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.