Appalachians Against Pipelines formed in February of 2018 when pipeline fighters took to the trees in the so-called Jefferson National Forest in Peterstown, West Virginia, where Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC intended to drill directly through the mountain and beneath the Appalachian Trail. The limestone karst terrain of this mountain generates and filters drinking water, and also makes the area especially susceptible to landslides and sinkholes. In late March 2018, the treesits were joined by a monopod blockade of the pipeline access road; these aerial blockades held up tree clearing for over three months, and pipeline construction on the mountain has still yet to begin.
Throughout 2018 and 2019, pipeline fighters continued to disrupt and delay MVP construction using nonviolent direct action tactics. In September 2018, 2 new tree sits appeared in the path of MVP’s proposed route near Elliston, VA — on one of the few sections of trees the company has not yet cleared. These tree sits in Elliston have now been blocking MVP destruction for over 1 year!
As MVP continues their destructive project, we will continue to confront it. Currently, the pipeline is over $1.5 billion over budget, and almost 2 years delayed.
The Mountain Valley Pipeline is a 42-inch pipeline which would carry fracked gas from shale fields in West Virginia to intersect with the existing Transco Pipeline, a major highway for transporting gas to market overseas. MVP's goal is not only profit off this pipeline, but increasing international dependence on fossil fuels.
Fighting back against pipelines requires resources and these brave pipeline fighters need your help more than ever! We need money for food, travel, climbing gear and other essential supplies, as well as court costs and legal fees. Donate now to keep pipeline fighters in the trees and the pipelines out of the ground!
Want more information or to find out how to get involved?
Email us at appalachiansagainstpipelines@protonmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/appalachiansagainstpipelines/
