Contentious Mountain Valley Pipeline begins operation days after federal approval

The controversial Mountain Valley Pipeline has begun operations days after receiving its final approval from the federal energy regulator, the company behind it announced Friday morning.

“This is an important and long-awaited day for our Nation and the millions of Americans who now have greater access to an abundant supply of domestic natural gas for use as an affordable, reliable, and cleaner energy resource,” Diana Charletta, president and CEO of pipeline operator Equitrans Midstream Corp, said in a statement Friday.