AUGUSTA COUNTY — Scott Ballin has been dedicated to halting the Atlantic Coast Pipeline project since 2014 when he learned that the 605-mile natural gas pipeline was routed to cross through his family's farm in Deerfield. Even when it felt like a losing battle, Ballin and other anti-pipeline organizers reassured each other that "It's not over yet."
Sunday afternoon, Ballin learned that, after six years, the fight is finally over — Dominion Energy and Duke Energy have canceled the pipeline.
THE DETAILS: Atlantic Coast Pipeline canceled
In a joint statement, Dominion CEO Tom Farrell and Duke CEO Lynn Good said they regret that they will not complete the project and said the announcement reflects "increasing legal uncertainty" related to large-scale energy infrastructure.
For Ballin and thousands of others, the project's end is both a sign of their movement's success and cause for celebration.
Bill Limpert, a former Bath County landowner who fought off attempts from Dominion Energy to secure easement agreements, said he has felt "pure joy and ongoing elation" since hearing the decision.
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BACKGROUND: 'Invasive, insulting': Dealing with Dominion rankles some pipeline route landowners
A wave of relief rushed over Lorne Stockman, a research analyst for the clean-energy advocacy group Oil Change International, when he learned that the companies quit the project.
"My thoughts go out to those people who just never gave up and have had six years of their lives, kind of taken away from them," Stockman said. "They've lived with this thing hanging over them, this potential disaster hanging over them, for six years."
In a pandemic-free world, Jennifer Lewis imagines she would have commemorated the win at Seven Arrows Brewery, the venue of several anti-pipeline fundraisers and events. Lewis, a community activist and the founder and president of Friends of Augusta, said it would have been meaningful because the brewery owners often let organizers use the space for free.
It is especially tough to have to celebrate while remaining physically distant because the new friendships and connections are "the silver lining" of the fight, according to Lewis. These relationships were developed both within the Augusta County region and with other activists along the proposed route.
More: I spent a night in line awaiting 'equal justice' on a D.C. sidewalk
Strong relationships were not only beneficial to individuals, but also foundational to the movement's success. Neighbors put aside differences and united for a common goal.
Lewis noted that people stayed focused on the pipeline and did not deviate from the cause. As a result, the new networks included people from different backgrounds who may have never otherwise organized together.
"Power is in the people, standing together, never giving up," Lewis said.
Nancy Sorrels, another area anti-pipeline activist, said there is no doubt that the pipeline was stopped because of persistent pressure from thousands of people who wanted to do what was best for their community. There was never a focus on right or left, she said.
Ballin also emphasized that concerns about what was best for the community transcended debates between Republicans and Democrats. People were willing to work together to protect the future of their children and the future of the community.
"We the people — the people who are affected by this — actually got their voices heard," Ballin said, "Everyone stayed with it, and the outcome today shows that communities can rally together, they want change. And they can win against big corporate interests."
Share questions, comments or story ideas with Leanna Smith at lsmith@newsleader.com. Follow her on Twitter @LeannaCSmith.
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'Pure joy and ongoing elation': How did Atlantic Coast Pipeline protesters get here? - The News Leader
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