RICHMOND, VA — Today, Gov. Ralph Northam reportedly informed two members of the State Air Pollution Control Board that they would soon be replaced, along with two members of the State Water Control Board. The timing of this decision is extremely suspect due to the recent decision by the Air Board to continue deliberation over the air permit for the Buckingham Compressor Station for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline into December.

In response, Kate Addleson, Director of the Sierra Club Virginia Chapter, released the following statement:

“By disrupting a purposefully independent process, Gov. Northam has abandoned any semblance of impartiality in the construction of the dirty and dangerous Atlantic Coast Pipeline. Rather than keeping his promise to not interfere, Gov. Northam is abdicating his responsibility to protect Virginians from the threats it poses to the health of Virginia’s air, water, climate, and communities, and directly opposing the growing grassroots opposition to this fracked gas pipeline.

“The fact that our governor would replace two citizen members of an independent board before they are scheduled to decide on a crucial permit shows just how tight a grip Dominion has on our political system. If Gov. Northam wants to truly protect the people who elected him, he will reverse this decision immediately.”