VA Governor McAuliffe Forgets His Promise

Submitted by Rick Webb, DPMC
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When Governor Terry McAuliffe endorsed the Atlantic Coast Pipeline he declared it would be “the most environmentally responsible pipeline ever built in the history of the United States of America.”  Yet he promoted the project and its benefits without first consulting state natural resource officials and agencies, thereby preempting real environmental review and consideration of alternatives. (See:  McAuliffe/Farrell, 9/2/14)



His indifference to actual information and analysis became more apparent when he announced that the proposed pipeline would not be used to move gas from fracked sources. (See:  Washington Post, 9/10/14)


He has refused to even respond to requests for a Citizen's Advisory Panel to study and make recommendations on state regulatory review of the ACP and MVP proposals. His top officials had to be threatened with a lawsuit to provide citizens information on pipeline deliberations, and others have actively worked to hide information from the public. (See:  Roanoke Times, 6/1/16)


We still don’t know if the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality will step up to its oversight responsibilities, or if it will simply facilitate regulatory short cuts? Meanwhile Governor McAuliffe has mislead the public, claiming Virginia has no power over the pipelines, despite the fact that the States have veto powers under the Clean Water Act to stop damaging projects. (See:  The News Virginian, 7/22/15)


When Terry McAuliffe ran for Governor he promised a new level of transparency and openness, declaring that "Virginians should never have to question who their leaders are putting first." (See:  VCU Capital News Service, 12/3/13)


Terry McAuliffe has forgotten his promise. He needs reminding. 


See:  March on the Mansion, Saturday, July 23rd