Washington, October 18 (RHC)-- In the U.S. state of Virginia, at least three environmental activists were arrested after locking themselves to equipment, temporarily shutting down the construction of the Mountain Valley Pipeline.  Dozens of protesters descended on the site for the peaceful action.

Water protectors chanted: “For the water we drink!  For the place that we call home!  For the air we breathe!  For the air we breathe!”

Among those arrested earlier this week was Indigenous lawyer and activist Tara Houska. 

The controversial $6.6 billion pipeline would go through Virginia and West Virginia and carry 2 billion cubic feet of fracked gas across more than 1,000 streams and wetlands in Appalachia.  The project has long had the backing of powerful West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin, who is the biggest recipient of fossil fuel money in Congress.