Regulators seek citizen input on Atlantic Coast Pipeline

Federal regulators are seeking input from people in central Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley about the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline.

Officials say they have completed almost all of the surveys that were needed in Nelson County.

Two weeks ago, the pipeline won a court victory allowing surveyors to go onto people's land, even without permission.

Now, Wednesday is one of the last chances Nelson County residents will have to voice their opinion on the pipeline, and Thursday brings a chance for Augusta County residents.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which has the final say on interstate pipelines, is holding a public hearing Wednesday night in Nelson County and Thursday night in Staunton.

The public comment hearing in Staunton will be held at the Holiday Inn Staunton Conference Center in the large meeting room from 5 - 9 p.m.

Groups opposed to the pipeline are holding a community meeting beginning at 4 p.m. in the Augusta Commons room at the Holiday Inn.

The proposed 600-mile pipeline would carry natural gas and serve public utilities in Virginia and North Carolina, including Dominion and Duke Energy.

Proponents say the pipeline will generate thousands of jobs, enrich local tax collections and attract businesses seeking relatively cheap natural gas. Opponents worry it will harm the environment and say the companies behind it haven't done enough to show the project is necessary.