"The Mountain Valley pipeline inched toward completion after a three-judge panel Wednesday unanimously denied environmentalists’ challenge to a Virginia water permit for the planned natural gas project.

The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found that Virginia regulators had done an extensive review before certifying that construction of about 107 miles of pipeline across waterways in the commonwealth complied with state water standards.

“Because we conclude that the Agencies’ decision to grant MVP’s application was neither arbitrary nor capricious, we deny the petition for review,” said Judge Stephanie Thacker, writing the opinion for the court."

Niina H. Farah reports for E&E News March 30, 2023. [2]