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Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

Headline: Scott, Foushee, McClellan Urge Full Review of Proposed Natural Gas Pipelines’ Environmental Impact

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04), and Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) sent a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) urging the Commission to thoroughly review the environmental impacts of the Southeast Supply Enhancement Project (SSEP) and the Mountain Valley Pipeline Southgate (Southgate) project before advancing the projects further. 

“We are concerned that FERC has not adequately reviewed all possible risks associated with the massive capacity expansion and resulting infrastructure of SSEP, the proposed changes to the Southgate project, the history of the developers’ compliance, and the colocation of these two projects,” the letter reads. “On behalf of communities in Virginia and North Carolina, we urge the Commission to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for both projects before considering them further. If FERC is unwilling to do so, we urge the Commission to deny the certification of both projects to ensure that the surrounding communities are not placed at undue risk.”

The members highlighted the worrisome track records for the developers of these two projects.

“Since construction began on the Mountain Valley Pipeline mainline project, the developer has shown an unwillingness to comply with environmental and safety regulations,” the letter states.“In 2018, the Office of the Attorney General of Virginia alleged 375 violations, including hundreds of water quality protection violations. The violations include unpermitted discharges into waterways, failure to maintain and repair erosion and sediment controls, violations related to road crossings over streams, and violations related to water diversions and drains… Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC also allegedly terminated one of its inspectors for reporting safety violations.  If that is true, this should also be considered in FERC’s assessment as this action is a clear sign that the developer is willing to act against reporting violations and avoid taking necessary steps to address situations as they arise.”

The letter also highlighted FERC’s inadequacy in considering the cumulative impacts of these two projects being built in close proximity to one another.

“The recommendation also does not adequately consider the cumulative impacts, including water quality and public safety impacts, that may occur due to the colocation of portions of the SSEP and the Southgate project,” the members wrote. “Approximately 95 percent of the SSEP’s proposed Eden Loop is within a quarter mile of Southgate, and multiple waterways would be impacted by both projects. The potential for permanent cumulative impacts from individual pipeline crossings is compounded when there are multiple crossings of a waterway or in a watershed. The colocation of two high-pressure, large diameter pipelines is of significant concern for local residents.”

Full text of the letter can be found HERE and below.

The Honorable Laura Swett Chairwoman Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 888 First Street NE Washington, DC 20426

Ms. Debbie-Anne Reese Secretary Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 888 First Street NE  Washington, DC 20426

RE: Environmental Assessments for Mountain Valley Pipeline Southgate (Docket No. CP25-60-000) and Southeast Supply Enhancement Project (Docket No. CP25-10-000)

Dear Chairwoman Swett and Secretary Reese,

We write to you regarding FERC’s current review of the proposed Southeast Supply Enhancement Project (SSEP) and Mountain Valley Pipeline Southgate (Southgate) project. We are concerned that FERC has not adequately reviewed all possible risks associated with the massive capacity expansion and resulting infrastructure of SSEP, the proposed changes to the Southgate project, the history of the developers’ compliance, and the colocation of these two projects. On behalf of communities in Virginia and North Carolina, we urge the Commission to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for both projects before considering them further. If FERC is unwilling to do so, we urge the Commission to deny the certification of both projects to ensure that the surrounding communities are not placed at undue risk.

SSEP is one of the largest natural gas capacity expansions proposed in decades, but FERC found no significant impact on human health or the environment despite only preparing an environmental assessment (EA) for its review. Under every metric, this is factually incorrect, including project footprint, horsepower upgrades to compressor stations, and capacity increase. This massive project will have significant environmental impacts that demand a thorough review and a complete EIS. Further, not conducting an EIS for SSEP would be a dramatic departure from past FERC policy and practice for projects of this magnitude. The Commission has consistently completed EISs for projects much smaller in size than SSEP.

On June 18, 2020, FERC issued a final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Southgate project. The FEIS determined that the project would create air and noise pollution detrimental to surrounding communities, cause long-term cumulative effects on wetlands and uplands, and result in a variety of other environmental impacts. Guided by the FEIS, FERC issued a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity authorizing Southgate to transport 375,000 dekatherms of natural gas per day (Dth/d) based on the project’s design at the time. Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC, the developer of the Southgate project, has since significantly changed the project’s scope and operations in its amended application. These changes include, but are not limited to, increasing the pipe’s diameter from 16- and 24-inches to 30-inches, modifying the project’s route, and raising the project’s operational capacity to 550,000 Dth/d. Despite these major changes, FERC’s EA of the amended project recommended a finding of no significant impact which does not require a new EIS be prepared. There are several faults within FERC staff’s rationale in issuing this recommendation.

The EA relies heavily on the assumption that Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC will adhere to the construction and mitigation protocols that the company enumerated in its application. Since construction began on the Mountain Valley Pipeline mainline project, the developer has shown an unwillingness to comply with environmental and safety regulations. In 2018, the Office of the Attorney General of Virginia alleged 375 violations, including hundreds of water quality protection violations. The violations include unpermitted discharges into waterways, failure to maintain and repair erosion and sediment controls, violations related to road crossings over streams, and violations related to water diversions and drains. That matter was resolved with a negotiated consent decree, or settlement, which required Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC to pay a $2.15 million penalty and pay for third-party environmental auditing. Since the consent decree was entered in 2019, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has cited Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC for additional violations. The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection has also issued more than 50 violation notices to the developer. 

Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC also allegedly terminated one of its inspectors for reporting safety violations. If that is true, this should also be considered in FERC’s assessment as this action is a clear sign that the developer is willing to act against reporting violations and avoid taking necessary steps to address situations as they arise. It should also be noted that the Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company (Transco), the developer of the SSEP, has a similar history of environmental and safety violations which should be considered in evaluating the SSEP. 

The recommendation also does not adequately consider the cumulative impacts, including water quality and public safety impacts, that may occur due to the colocation of portions of the SSEP and the Southgate project. Approximately 95 percent of the SSEP’s proposed Eden Loop is within a quarter mile of Southgate, and multiple waterways would be impacted by both projects. The potential for permanent cumulative impacts from individual pipeline crossings is compounded when there are multiple crossings of a waterway or in a watershed. The colocation of two high-pressure, large diameter pipelines is of significant concern for local residents. Multiple local governments and other elected officials have expressed concerns about the safety and health impacts of these proposed pipelines.

We urge you to prepare Environmental Impact Statements for the Southeast Supply Enhancement Project and the amended Mountain Valley Pipeline Southgate project before moving forward in reviewing these projects. If FERC is unwilling to do so, we urge the Commission to deny the Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity for both projects.

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D, MN-04), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, issued the following statement on Thursday:

“The footage of the September 2nd boat strike in the Caribbean was deeply alarming and calls into question the Trump administration’s respect for the laws of armed conflict. The Pentagon should immediately release the strike video in its entirety so that the American public understands what President Trump has directed in the Caribbean without any authorization from Congress. Congress has a responsibility to fully investigate not only the September 2nd strike but the Trump administration’s entire operation in the Caribbean and should take testimony from Secretary Hegseth, U.S. Special Operations Commander Admiral Frank Bradley, and U.S. Southern Commander Admiral Alvin Holsey.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

“It is imperative that the Department of Homeland Security stop racially targeting the Somali community,” said Congresswoman McCollum

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D, MN-04) released the following statement in response to President Trump’s announced deployment of 100 ICE agents to the Twin Cities intended to target Somali Americans: 

“Somali Americans are a valued part of our community. President Trump calling fellow human beings ‘garbage’ is not only beneath the office but calls into question his capacity to serve all Americans. Trump’s ugly attacks on the Somali community do not reflect the views of our state, nor the reality of the contributions Somalis make every day. They are elected officials at the federal, state and local levels. They are business leaders, teachers, nurses, ride share drivers, neighbors, and friends. We will not be divided. We are One Minnesota. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum issued the following statement on Tuesday:

“Today, masked federal agents were involved in another enforcement activity in Saint Paul, this time at a residential address the Payne-Phalen neighborhood. My office continues to seek answers about the circumstances surrounding these actions. Let me be abundantly clear: I strongly oppose the Trump administration’s actions to stoke conflict and division in our community. People have a right to express their first amendment freedoms, including protesting actions by their government, but they have a solemn obligation to do so peacefully.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

“An attack against one of us is an attack against all of us,” says Dean of Minnesota’s Congressional Delegation

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) and Don Bacon (R-NE), members of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, introduced a Foster Youth Bill of Rights Resolution to help ensure foster youth nationwide are informed about their rights while in foster care. While fifteen states and Puerto Rico have enacted their own Foster Youth Bill of Rights, foster youth rights vary from state to state, with most states providing no guaranteed foster rights at all. The bipartisan resolution is an effort to raise awareness for the existing rights that some states guarantee to foster youth, highlighting ten separate rights that should be afforded to foster youth nationwide.

“Every child in America deserves to feel safe and valued, and we can make no exceptions for the children in our foster care system,” said Congressman Cleaver. “As we work to provide a legal framework for guaranteed protections that should be afforded to foster youth nationwide, I’m proud to introduce the Federal Foster Youth Bill of Rights with Congressman Bacon. Together, we will keep fighting to ensure these children receive the support and stability they deserve.”

“As a foster to adopt parent I know foster youth are an at-risk population through no fault of their own, and it is our responsibility to not only protect them, but to help them get the best outcome possible,” said Rep. Bacon. “The creation of a Foster Youth Bill of Rights will empower them to effectively advocate for themselves and provide another layer of protections.”

“The Foster Youth Bill of Rights affirms what every young person in foster care deserves: safety, dignity, equitable access to resources and opportunities, and a fair chance to build a bright future,” said Rebecca Louve Yao, CEO, National Foster Youth Institute. “As an organization focused on young adults transitioning out of foster care, we believe this bill strengthens the foundation they need to secure safe housing, pursue their education and careers, and enter adulthood with hope and confidence rather than uncertainty. With this legislation, Congressman Cleaver has elevated both the legal protections and lived experiences of children and young adults in care, and we are deeply grateful for his unwavering commitment to foster youth.”

Due to America’s deeply fragmented foster care system and underinvestment in foster youth, children in foster care are at a significant disadvantage, with one report finding that adults aged 22-44 who have ever been in foster care were twice as likely to lack either a high school diploma or GED compared to their peers who have never been in foster care. According to the Fist Star Institute, 11 states received a “D” or “F” grade on their legal rights for foster youth.

The Foster Youth Bill of Rights Resolution affirms the basic rights all foster children are entitled to, including the right:

1. To receive an education and remain in their original school, if desired;
2. To participate in extracurricular, cultural, and social activities appropriate to the youth’s age and developmental needs;
3. To receive needed health services, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health services;
4. To freedom from abuse, neglect, or corporal punishment;
5. To be represented by, and speak to, a guardian or attorney ad litem;
6. To adequate and healthy food, adequate clothing, and a safe and comfortable living environment;
7. To freedom from discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or disability;
8. To have continued contact with siblings, if desired;
9. To regular or at least reasonable contact with their assigned caseworker or an employee of the agency responsible for their child welfare services; and
10. To be informed of their rights.

The Foster Youth Bill of Rights is endorsed by FosterClub, Child Welfare League of America, and National Foster Youth Institute.

The Foster Youth Bill of Rights is cosponsored by Reps. Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Shontel Brown (D-OH), Dwight Evans (D-PA), and Gwen Moore (D-WI).

Official text of the Foster Youth Bill of Rights is available here. 

 

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

(Washington, D.C.) – This week, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), along with 30 other House Democrats, called on the Trump administration to include small and specialty crop farms if the Administration moves forward with any federal effort to provide economic relief for farm losses due to President Trump’s trade wars.

“This is a crisis, and it is worsening every day,” the legislators wrote. “If your Administration moves forward with plans to provide economic relief to large farmers suffering due to high input costs and lost export markets, you must not forget about small and medium-sized farms, family farms, and specialty crop farmers. These farmers are vital to local economies and are the backbone of our nation’s food supply. They provide fresh fruit and vegetables to local stores, feed our families, and power rural communities by creating jobs and supporting local businesses. The loss of even more small farms will devastate communities, restrict the food supply, and have long-term economic and food security ramifications for the United States and for the world.”

The president’s trade wars have closed access to critical foreign markets that American producers depend on, lowering the value of crops like soybeans, which are Missouri’s largest commodity crop, and driving up farm bankruptcies. The value of U.S. soybean exports to China never fully recovered after the U.S. tariff war with China in President Trump’s first term, when the value of U.S. soybean exports to China plunged from $14 billion in 2016 to $3.1 billion in 2018. At the same time the soybean markets are under threat, farmers are being hit with higher input costs from Trump’s tariff war.

The letter was co-signed by Representatives Alma Adams (D-NC), Gabe Amo (D-RI), Becca Balint (D-VT), Sanford Bishop (D-GA), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Julia Brownley (D-CA), André Carson (D-IN), Ed Case (D-HI), Joe Courtney (D-CT), Shomari Figures (D-AL), Maggie Goodlander (D-NH), Josh Harder (D-CA), Jahana Hayes (D-CT), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Jared Huffman (D-CA), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Bill Keating (D-MA), Greg Landsman (D-OH), John Larson (D-CT), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Chris Pappas (D-NH), Patrick Ryan (D-NY), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Eric Sorensen (D-IL), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), Bennie Thompson (D-MS), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ).

Official text of the letter is available here.

 

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

Lawmakers to Trump Administration: Taxpayers should not be “compelled to subsidize political speech.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) led 33 House lawmakers in urging the administration to restore displays commemorating the contributions of Black soldiers at the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial that were recently removed. In a letter to the Acting Secretary of the American Battle Monuments Commission, the lawmakers also requested information on why the displays were removed and the process that led to the decision.

“More than one million African Americans fought in WWII, most of whom served in segregated units,” the lawmakers wrote. “They were willing to die for a country that didn’t dignify them with equal opportunities, accommodations, or recognition. Among the thousands of American soldiers laid to rest in Margraten are 172 Black servicemen.

“Following a months-long crusade against diversity initiatives, including attacks on the National Museum of African American History and the removal of slavery exhibits in some national parks, this action marks this administration’s latest attempt to erase not only Black history, but our shared American history,” the lawmakers continued.

“As our country commemorates its veterans this month, it is troubling to see the administration erase many of their contributions,” the lawmakers concluded.

In addition to calling on the ABMC to restore the displays, the lawmakers requested response to the following questions:

1. Why were the two displays removed from the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial?
   1. Was the removal related to the administration’s anti-DEI initiatives?
2. Does the ABMC intend to erase all exhibits acknowledging the accomplishments of Black servicemen?
3. Does the ABMC no longer recognize the contributions made by the 960th QMSC?
   1. Are the sacrifices of the Black servicemen buried in Margraten no longer valued by the ABMC?
4. Will the ABMC commit to putting the panels back on display?
   1. If so, when will the panels be put back on display?

The letter was co-signed by Representatives Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Wesley Bell (D-MO), Shontel Brown (D-OH), Janelle Bynum (D-OR), André Carson (D-IN), Troy Carter (D-LA), Herbert Conaway (D-NJ), Danny Davis (D-IL), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Cleo Fields (D-LA), Al Green (D-TX), Steven Horsford (D-NV), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Robin Kelly (D-IL), Lucy McBath (D-GA), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Stacey Plaskett (D-VI), Mike Quigley (D-IL), David Scott (D-GA), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Bennie Thompson (D-MS), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Marc Veasey (D-TX), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), and Frederica Wilson (D-FL).

Official text of the letter is available here.

 

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.