PERSPECTIVES
The decision to construct the Mountain Valley Pipeline has been made, but the debate continues. Some pipeline opposers believe that protest and community activism could still change the outcome of this project. To a degree, their efforts have been affective. Construction has been halted multiple times due to legal action brought against MVP, and the pipeline has been re-routed through different areas than originally planned.
This pipeline has become highly controversial because of its direct impact on so many pressing social issues. In order to understand the main arguments of those who support and those who oppose the MVP, we have summarized common arguments on six highly debated key topics.
Hover over each box to see where each side usually stands on the issues you care about!
CLIMATE CHANGE
PRO PIPELINE
Natural gas is a clean and safe "bridge" fuel that is necessary to transition from coal to renewables. Fracking is demonized by the media but has important benefits to our society.
ANTI PIPELINE
Natural gas, which is mostly methane before combustion, is a much more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. While natural gas burns cleaner than other fossil fuels, methane leaks can be a large contributor to climate change. Society must stop fracking natural gas and switch to renewables.
LAND RIGHTS
Everyone uses electricity therefore the pipeline is in the common good. Eminent domain is part of our Constitution and has every right to be used. Landowners are getting fair compensation for their property.
PRO PIPELINE
Eminent domain should only be used for the public good. Since the communities the pipeline goes through will not get to use the natural gas, this is not in the public's interest and therefore is an unjust taking of land.
ANTI PIPELINE
Natural gas Demand
PRO PIPELINE
Building another pipeline increases America’s energy independence and provides cheap electricity for consumers.
ANTI PIPELINE
There is no real demand in the region, so the gas will be exported overseas. No Americans will benefit besides the corporations.
ENVIRONMENT
PRO PIPELINE
A natural gas pipeline causes minimal land disturbance - much less than solar panels or a wind farm - and it is regulated so that the most efficient and environmentally friendly route is used.
ANTI PIPELINE
Burying the pipeline underground will likely cause changes in the karst terrain and destroy native, pristine forests in its path- some of the last untouched land in this country. It also will likely lead to contaminated water supply due to runoff and erosion.
ECONOMY
This pipeline is bringing much needed industry and jobs to a region desperate for economic stimulus.
PRO PIPELINE
The jobs created by the project are being filled by out of town workers who will leave once the pipeline is completed. Any economic benefit its temporary.
ANTI PIPELINE
Location of pipeline
PRO PIPELINE
Those who are complaining about the pipeline going through their land want access to cheap electricity, but refuse to sacrifice for the overall good of society.
ANTI PIPELINE
The pipeline crosses critical sources of drinking water, historical and cultural sites, and will destroy property values and viewsheds in the communities it runs through.