Digital Scholarship and Initiatives

The Atlantic Coast Pipeline cleared another step in construction when the Forest Service issued a favorable Record of Decision authorizing construction. The 600-mile-long natural gas pipeline will potentially run from West Virginia to Pembroke. The decision affect national forests in the states. “'This Forest Service decision supports federal policies emphasizing energy infrastructure, jobs, economic growth and our agency’s efforts to provide for multiple use. The decision authorizes the pipeline and approves project-specific forest plan amendments,' the Record of Decision reads in part’” (par. 9). Opponents in Robeson County says the pipeline is "not necessary, that it infringes on property rights, and that it will harm the environment” (par. 12). Proponents say it will create jobs and bring in money from property taxes. There are court appeals against the pipeline.