In a major win for the planet, federal judges blocked any new construction. natural gas Pipeline project in Tennessee cites concerns about “irreparable harm.”

Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, operated by Kinder Morgan, filed a 2022 application for the proposed Cumberland Project. The project includes construction of a 32-mile gas pipeline that will provide additional energy. natural gas to utility provider Tennessee Valley Authority. project overview by Kinder Morgan.

Accordingly Bloomberg LawThe U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit paused the necessary state and federal permits that would allow construction to begin.

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environmental organizations Appalachian Voices and Sierra Club, pipeline project As the Tennessean noted, it would cause significant and permanent damage to streams and wetlands in nearby counties. explained.

But Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company said the pipeline was needed to make its energy supplier’s Cumberland City power plant “cleaner” natural gas from polluting coal. But environmental groups claim this would still create serious pollution; approximately 2.5 million metric tons (roughly 2.8 million tons) per year. Bloomberg.

Natural gas often referred to as “bridge fuelby the oil industry, which claims it is cleaner than coal and oil and can provide backup power as the world changes. renewable energy. But some studies i found this natural gas It could be significantly worse than coal and oil. methane Leaks during production and transportation.

Because of these concerns, two of three federal judges on the panel ruled to delay water quality certifications and construction permits.

“The postponement of these two permits, which delays construction scheduled to begin this week, confirms the Cumberland community’s deep concerns about the safety of their local ecosystems,” said Emily Sherwood, senior campaign organizer for the Sierra Club. a statement. “This pause is a crucial opportunity to rethink the risks of fossil fuel development and prioritize the health and environment of Cumberland and our region.”

“The Cumberland Pipeline poses a major and unnecessary risk to important aquatic habitats in Tennessee, as well as the health and safety of our communities,” said Bri Knisley, director of public power campaigns for Appalachian Voices. added. “We are happy to see that pipeline construction will be halted; the Clean Water Act permits obtained by TGP need to be examined much more closely.”

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