Time to Act: SSEP Comment Periods Closing Soon
While the cold air and falling leaves remind us to slow down and prepare for a winter rest, our fight against fossil fuels continues. We are nearing the end of public participation for the proposed Southeast Supply Enhancement Project, a fracked-gas pipeline proposed to come through our state, and bring with it dangerous, unnecessary, and outdated fossil fuels.
As I said last week, make sure to take action before the Winter holidays send your schedule into a frenzy! Or, be like me and add some spice to the holidays by making your family members and other loved ones take these actions too!
ALSO, we have an important update on the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP)! Read to the end!
Calls to Action
By Wednesday, November 19th, submit comments to oppose the Air Permits for SSEP in North Carolina ~ talking points and comment guide (this is a document explaining the steps to send comments via email)
Join organizers for a Virtual Comment Party on Thursday, November 20th! The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) just released an Environmental Assessment (EA) on the SSEP that needs your voice! Need help making a comment? Join organizers on the 20th to learn all the how-tos!
Deadline for FERC EA comments is Monday, December 1st; can’t join the virtual comment party? Make your own comment by following these steps (email me for help!)
1) Say “No SSEP” and Add Your Voice to Oppose the Air Permits SSEP Needs!
Between now and Nov 19: Submit Your Comment to North Carolina DEQ for SSEP Air Permits
The SSEP will need to get air permits approved for the two Compressor Stations proposed as part of the project. Compressor Stations add pressure to the gas and push it through the pipe. Stations that are powered by gas produce harmful pollution as a result. Toxic air pollutants like formaldehyde and fine particulate matter (tiny fragments of pollution that are harmful when inhaled) can cause or make worse asthma, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular issues like arrhythmia and heart attacks. Click here for more info on Compressor Stations.
Want to show up in-person to give your comment? Come to the 11/18 hearing! Join organizers, impacted community members, and media outlets to document the public fight of showing up and standing out!
Compressor Station 155
Public Hearing Details
November 18, 2025, 6pm
The Edward C Smith Civic Center
217 S Main St, Lexington, NC 27292
Submit your comment online or by mail by Nov 19! Talking points and comment guide linked here!
2 & 3) Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Environmental Assesment on SSEP
Hundreds of people 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.
With the release of the assessment, FERC has announced a 30-day public comment period, closing on Dec. 1.
There have been no 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.
You can still weigh in on this project before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission makes its final decision on approving or denying the permit for SSEP. The SSEP project cannot move forward without this permit. Your voice is important and will make a difference in the fight against this pipeline!
Need help developing your comment? Join community organizers for a Virtual Comment Party on November 20th at 6:30! Register here. A recording will be made available to all who register.
Wow wow wow! So many actions and opportunities for solidarity! Feeling overwhelmed? Choose just one! It’s better than nothing :)
NCDEQ approves Mountain Valley Pipeline Water Quality Certification (with conditions):
For the folks who have been following this fight here with HRA since early this year, the ones who have been fighting long before that, and the ones who are joining/will join the fight: thank you. Together, we are making positive changes. We see how public participation has an impact with the recent decision of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) to approve the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP), a similar fracked-gas project.
Unfortunately, although previously denying it twice, NCDEQ issued a press release announcing the Department of Water Resources (DWR) approved MVP’s request for a 401 water quality certification with conditions:
- Provide an environmental inspector during all-instream activities and hold a pre-construction meeting to understand compliance with certification conditions;
- Narrow the construction corridor across wetlands and streams;
- Monitor areas temporarily impacted by the project in-line with the proposed restoration and monitoring plan;
- Restore areas temporarily affected during construction and replant them with native plants and use best management practices to avoid and minimize impacts to streams and wetlands;
- Identify all private wells within the limits of the area that will be disturbed by construction and equipment, and provide pre- and post-construction well testing on request for all private wells within 150 feet of the construction limits.
- To avoid impacts to sensitive aquatic species, MVP must use “trenchless” water crossing techniques in areas where those species have been identified.
These conditions, particularly the well testing, would not have happened without public participation.
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 that 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.