TransCanada wants to build a fracked-gas pipeline underneath our treasured Potomac River and C&O Canal. This company has shown its reckless disregard for public safety and the environment, and now it wants to threaten our own drinking water and communities for a pipeline that won't benefit Marylanders in any way.

The pipeline means farmers and landowners will have to fight to protect their property rights. TransCanada’s landmen are using the same scare tactics that have been used for decades: “Sell your rights or we’ll take them for free through eminent domain.” It’s a dirty trick that divides neighbors and hurts communities. The only winners are pipeline owners.

We know that pipelines can leak and that their construction can hurt local and regional water quality. Inherent risks are involved with the construction of pipelines across local rivers and streams. The Eastern Panhandle Expansion project would be no exception. In fact, the pipeline will impact sensitive Karst geology that could transmit pollutants through a connected underground aquifer, degrade pristine streams, and threaten public and private water supplies. Sinkholes and caverns will impact the integrity of the pipeline, and cause subterranean ruptures and possible explosions. Earlier this year, during the drilling for a pipeline, nearly two million gallons of bentonite drilling fluid spilled into an Ohio wetland.

Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) is accepting comments on the Nontidal Wetlands & Waterways Permit through January 25, 2018 for the Eastern Panhandle Expansion project! MDE added a second hearing on Eastern Panhandle Expansion Project is Monday, January 22, 6-10pm, Hancock Middle/High School, with snow date of January 25. Click here for tips on commenting.

Several nonprofit groups and residents, including us, have decided to boycott this hearing. We are asking that if you make public comments, to then join us outside the hearing to show your solidarity. See Brent’s blog on why and how here. Learn more about the boycott here.

Take action today & tell them to reject the pipeline! Even if you don't live in Maryland, you can submit a comment.

Join us and add your voice in opposition to this fracked gas pipeline that threatens our Nation's River! #NoPotomacPipeline!

Thank you!

Brent Walls, Upper Potomac Riverkeeper

P.S. With support from hundreds of our members, we were able to help build a powerful grassroots movement to ban fracking in Maryland. Please consider making a generous donation to help us in this next fight to keep fossil fuel infrastructure from causing irreversible harm to our water supplies!

Read more about our campaign to stop the Eastern Panhandle Expansion project.