Quick Hits: Atlantic Coast Pipeline hits more setbacks

The Atlantic Coast Pipeline continues to face major setbacks

Nearly five years after Dominion’s announcement of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline project, the proposed pipeline is two years behind schedule and 50 percent over budget, which is now projected at $7.5 billion or more.

Seven federal permits required for pipeline construction are now in question and in the fall of 2019 a D.C. circuit court of appeals will hear a challenge to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) certificate of the project and decide if the pipeline is even needed.

So far, Dominion has also been unsuccessful in persuading Congress to remove federal protections for the Appalachian Trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway, both of which the company would like the 604-mile natural gas pipeline to cross.

REI President and CEO resigns over “perceived conflict of interest”

Jerry Stritzke, REI President and CEO, will resign from his position on March 15 after he and the Board of Directors agreed that his relationship with another outdoor industry leader is a perceived conflict of interest.

An investigation into Stritzke’s relationship with the unnamed outdoor industry leader found that Stritzke should have disclosed the “personal and consensual” relationship under REI’s conflict of interest policy.

Stritzke has led the co-op since October 2013 and says he regrets his decision to not be more transparent. Eric Artz, executive vice president and chief operating officer will serve as interim CEO, effective immediately.

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