Regulators OK Permits for Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline

Regulators approve permits for the Atlantic Sunrise pipeline construction project.

CONESTOGA, Pa. (AP) — A company building a controversial $3 billion pipeline to carry natural gas from northeastern Pennsylvania to southern states has been granted critical permits for construction.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection on Thursday approved water-crossing permits for Williams’ Atlantic Sunrise natural gas pipeline.

A dredging permit was granted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Tuesday.

Environmental groups and others opposing the pipeline can challenge the permits before the state Environmental Hearing Board.

A spokesman for Williams says the company will immediately ask the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for a notice to proceed with construction. That could take up to two weeks.

The project has been strongly opposed by climate activists, including a group of nuns who sued the federal government, arguing the pipeline violates land they consider sacred.

They lost that case but may appeal.