‘An egregious act’: debt ceiling deal imperils the environment, critics say

The agreement will fast-track the Mountain Valley pipeline, and limit the scope of environmental reviews for future developments

The deal to raise the US debt ceiling will have significant ramifications for the climate and nature, by fast-tracking a controversial gas pipeline in West Virginia and limiting the scope of environmental reviews for future developments, environmentalists have warned.

The agreement struck between Joe Biden and Republicans who control the House of Representatives states the Mountain Valley pipeline is required in the national interest" and should be issued its necessary permits within 21 days and be shielded from legal challenge by those who object to it.