Vermont joins other states in fight to protect Appalachian Trail

Vermont is joining a list of other states asking the U.S. Supreme Court to block a pipeline project on the Appalachian Trail.

The case involves the U.S. Forest Service giving the green light for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline to cross public land including the George Washington National Forest, the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Appalachian Trail.

Attorney General T.J. Donovan says the trail is an incredible resource for Vermont and the East Coast and feels it must be protected. He says oil and gas pipelines should not be allowed to cross the Appalachian Trail in national forests.

"It is an essential part of our state’s culture and heritage, and it brings people and businesses to our small towns. It must be protected,” Donovan said in a statement.

The AT covers 150 miles in Vermont, sharing about 100 miles with the Long Trail.

Vermont has joined 12 other states and the District of Columbia to weigh in on the case pending before the U.S. Supreme Court.

The case is scheduled to be before the Supreme Court on February 24.