ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - A board of high-ranking Maryland officials has rejected a pipeline across the western part of the state that would carry natural gas produced in Pennsylvania to West Virginia.
The Board of Public Works voted 3-0 Wednesday against an easement for TransCanada's proposed pipeline. It would run under the Potomac River and extend 3 miles (4.83 kilometers) from Columbia Gas' network in Pennsylvania to Mountaineer Gas' distribution system in West Virginia.
One board member, Comptroller Peter Franchot, cited testimony that the pipeline could bring Maryland environmental problems without economic benefits. The board also includes Maryland's governor and treasurer.
Environmentalists oppose the pipeline. Chesapeake Climate Action Network attorney Anne Havemann says she hopes this marks an end to the proposal, but further action by the federal government or the courts is possible.
