Pipeline supporters call new statement from opponents a 'delay tactic'

Some citizens groups against the Atlantic Coast Pipeline are voicing concern and taking action against a recent federal environmental statement.

On December 30th, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC,

, or DEIS, for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline.

Now, three organizations are saying the DEIS is incomplete and inadequate.

The groups – Friends of Nelson, Wild Virginia and Heartwood – made their arguments in a filing this week with FERC, saying that the pipeline company has filed a "copious amount" of important information about the project since December, but without public access to that info, the public can't "meaningfully analyze" the impact of the pipeline, which would serve public utilities in Virginia and North Carolina.

They also want the public comment period, which lasts until April 6, to be extended.

Local supporters of the pipeline say this is all just a stalling tactic.

"It's just another delay, all the last few years -- these things. I guess certain people think if you delay it long enough, it will go away, but it won't go away, because it's a necessary needed part of infrastructure," said Travis Clements, a pipeline supporter.

“FERC needs to guarantee that the DEIS for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline is complete, detailed and accurate,” said Ernie Reed, who represents both Wild Virginia and Friends of Nelson, which is based in Nelson County where the pipeline would traverse. “Without this information, citizens, elected officials and local agencies are being deprived of vital analysis on the potential impacts of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline.”

You can read the full motion from the three groups by tapping

.