We have submitted our comments to FERC, now we wait. On the16th, join us for a community gathering!
Hello to all you Awesome Advocates!
I'm especially thankful for our Haw River Assembly community. You all rock! Why? You are constantly learning, growing, and standing up for your fellow community (both human and more-than-human)! Hundreds of you have spoken out across North Carolina and Virginia on Williams Transco’s proposed Southeast Supply Enhancement Project (SSEP) — a 55-mile, high-pressure methane gas pipeline that’s part of a huge expansion of fossil fuels in the Southeast.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) released an Environmental Assessment for the SSEP methane gas pipeline, proposed for Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. The assessment claims to analyze the environmental impacts of the SSEP’s multiple sections of pipeline, massive gas compressor station expansions, and additional infrastructure modifications. We know it is insufficient.
FERC’s 30-day public comment period closed on Dec. 1. You can read our comments HERE.
There have been ZERO FERC public hearings for residents along the route thus far (only scoping meetings where people were required to give comments in private rooms), and the agency is not planning any during this comment period. This project impacts five states, and such a massive project warrants meaningful public participation from those along the impacted route.
The SSEP pipeline would cross more than 150 streams and wetlands in North Carolina, including watersheds that supply drinking water for more than one million residents. Transco plans to use a highly disruptive construction method for almost all of its water crossings. This method can degrade water quality and disrupt key wildlife habitats.
~ Have you seen these maps from CWFNC highlighting water impacts? https://cwfnc.org/nc-pipelines/
~ Visit nossep.org to get more context, review the history of opposition, stay up to date with the status of the project, and find upcoming calls to action.
Wanna stay involved in the fight? Have a certain skill you’d like to contribute to our collective efforts? Make sure you’ve filled out our poll on how you’d like to get more involved: Get Involved with NoSSEP!
SAVE THE DATE!
Tuesday, December 16th, the NoSSEP Coalition will be hosting a gathering for all those who have been involved in the collective efforts to keep the SSEP out of our state. Meet impacted landowners, organizers from across the state, and other community members who are plugged in as we reflect on the victories of the past year and discuss our next moves as a coalition. More details will be announced soon, make sure to check nossep.org to get the latest and greatest!
We are dealing with heavy things. But, nevertheless, we shall stand strong and we will win. We must hold on to our ability to imagine a better world is possible. Remember, I’m always here to provide any type of support related to Environmental Justice and our Climate Crisis. As always, this is Aidan wishing community care, light, and love.
Take care of yourselves and each other,
~ Aidan Loretz (they/them, she/her)