Attorney Abigail Benjamin Recognized as Volunteer of the Month for December 2017

Attorney Abigail Benjamin is representing West Virginia Rivers Coalition in its opposition to two proposed natural gas pipelines – the Atlantic Coast Pipeline and the Eastern Panhandle expansion project. On December 18th, Abigail attended a West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection hearing and made public comment regarding the lack of stream monitoring in the proposed permit for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, garnering local press attention about the issue. She also attended the Upshur County Commission meeting on her own behalf and convinced the Commission not only to add language in support of stream monitoring to its letter to WV DEP regarding the pipeline’s permit, but to contribute annual grant money to a local watershed association for continued stream monitoring. As a result of Abigail’s advocacy, the City of Buckhannon will likewise add similar language to their letter to WV DEP regarding the pipeline, as well as seek funding for local stream monitoring. Abigail’s efforts represent the impact that our attorneys can have on local issues that have regional impact, and we are so thankful for her skills and enthusiasm.

To learn more about Abigail, visit: http://www.abigaillawoffice.com/

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Abigail Benjamin is a West Virginian solo practitioner with a concentration in Real Estate Law, Energy Law, and Environmental Law. A native of Buckhannon, West Virginia, Abigail graduated with honors from both the University of Wisconsin Law School in 2000 and Smith College in 1997. In October 2016, she won a concession from a major state utility in a 30 million dollar natural gas pipeline permit case. Abigail has been a featured speaker on Mid-Mornings with Hannah on WRNR, the Red Hot Coach on WRNR, and the University of Wisconsin Law School. “The Journal” and “WHAG TV” recognize her as a legal expert. Abigail lives with her husband Jon and their six children.

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Each year, Chesapeake Legal Alliance volunteer attorneys provide almost 4,500 hours of free legal assistance to individuals and organizations throughout the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.