MVP case the 12th local Tribunal for the Rights of Nature

The Mountain Valley Pipeline, notorious for its environmental violations and disregard for water quality, has drawn the ire of communities across Virginia, West Virginia, and now North Carolina. With over $2.5 million in fines amassed for water quality violations, the MVP, stretching 303 miles to transport fracked gas, symbolizes the extractive industry’s grip on the environment. Plans for its extension into North Carolina via the MVP Southgate project alarmingly traverse sensitive ecosystems, threatening the health and livelihoods of communities along its path. Eminent domain is wielded to force construction through private lands, resulting in deforestation, erosion, and sedimentation in nearby streams. On June 1st 2024 the International Rights of Nature Tribunal convened for its 12th local hearing at the Haw River State Park. An all indigenous judges panel including Casey Camp Horinek, Hartman Deetz, La’Meshia Whittington, and Heather Milton-Lightening, and Patrick Suarez, with Pam Martin as Earth Prosecutors heard testimonials of affected frontline defenders, communities and representatives of affected fauna, and flora. A special focus was put on the River People’s rights and the rights of the river Haw. 

You can read everything on this tribunal session here.