The Construction of the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) to continue after U.S. President Joe Biden signed legislation last week ratifying and approving all the necessary permits required for the project's completion.

In a significant development on June 3, 2023, President Biden signed legislation to increase the nation's debt limit while also ratifying and approving all necessary permits and authorizations for the construction and initial operation of the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP). The legislation further directs federal officials and agencies to uphold these authorizations.

Under the terms of the legislation, the Secretary of the Army is mandated to issue all permits or verifications required to finalize the project's construction and enable the operation and maintenance of the MVP no later than June 24, 2023.

The legislation also removes the court's jurisdiction to review agency actions regarding approvals necessary for the pipeline's construction and initial operation. Equitrans Midstream, the operator of the MVP, anticipates working with its project partners to complete construction by the end of 2023, with an estimated total project cost of approximately $6.6 billion.

"We are grateful for the full support of the White House, the strong bipartisan leadership of Democratic and Republican legislators, the resolute dedication of Senator Capito, and the unwavering commitment of Chairman Manchin for recognizing and declaring MVP as a critical energy infrastructure project," the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Equitrans Midstream, Thomas F. Karam stated.

Karam emphasized the rigorous environmental review and scrutiny the MVP project has undergone, surpassing any natural gas pipeline project in U.S. history. Despite obtaining state and federal authorizations multiple times, these permits have consistently faced legal challenges and subsequent overturning.

The CEO argued that congressional intervention to legislate project approval underscores the urgent need for comprehensive permitting reform, extending beyond the measures outlined in the current legislation. Without a more certain regulatory review and approval process, Karam warned that capital investment, including in renewable projects, is hindered, adversely affecting the nation's economy, energy security, and affordability.

The approval of this legislation explicitly acknowledges the painstaking efforts of state and federal agencies, which have dedicated countless hours to developing comprehensive plans for constructing the pipeline with minimal environmental impact.

The newly signed legislation also acknowledges the numerous benefits the MVP will bring, including advancing energy security, facilitating a transition to a lower-carbon economy, and ensuring energy reliability and affordability for American consumers.

The MVP spans approximately 303 miles across West Virginia and Virginia, aiming to provide cost-effective access to natural gas for local distribution companies, industrial users, and power generation facilities in the burgeoning mid-Atlantic and southeast regions of the United States.

With the enactment of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, Mountain Valley will continue to collaborate closely with relevant agencies to reissue the few remaining permits for the project. The company remains committed to environmental protection to ensure the responsible completion of the pipeline's remaining construction.