Building and maintaining a robust energy infrastructure that promotes the countless positive benefits provided through expanded development of our energy resources is important for Pennsylvania’s future. Development of the Marcellus and Utica Shale formations has provided Pennsylvania countless economic opportunities, but this is not enough. We must now have the necessary pipeline infrastructure to safely transport these resources to market for consumers use. Now more than ever, our state has the chance to do so by approving projects like the Mariner East 2 pipeline.
Governor Tom Wolf said it best, “Pennsylvania boasts tremendous natural gas resources, and it makes sense that our residents should benefit from the assets right under their feet.” As Governor Wolf delivers his State of the State address today, it is important that he provide the necessary leadership to ensure more of these critical infrastructure projects are built.
Recent developments that support increased infrastructure development are very positive. But more needs to be done here in Pennsylvania and Governor Wolf plays an integral role.
At a hearing last summer, a Pennsylvania businessman discussed the fact that his family-owned company had invested $200 million in equipment, staff, and facilities to support projects like Mariner East 2. At that time, his company was waiting for nineteen projects to be given the green light by regulators.
After over two years of public input through forums, meetings, and hearings, whether informational or regulatory in nature, it is time that Mariner East 2 is approved. This project will generate $4.2 billion for the Pennsylvania’s economy and pump $62 million in tax revenue into state and local economies. Mariner East 2 will create over 30,000 construction jobs that will be filled by local workers who are the most skilled tradesmen in the business.
In addition to being a huge boon to the economy, the Mariner East 2 project will be built meeting the highest standards to ensure safety for local communities and the environment. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, pipelines are the safest way to transport energy resources and just recently, an independent expert found the Mariner East 2 project to be “exceeding federal pipeline safety regulations.”
As Governor Wolf delivers his address today, it is important that he supports increased development of Pennsylvania’s pipeline infrastructure. With his leadership and support for Mariner East 2, this project will safely deliver clean-burning energy resources to consumers across our state and grow thousands of jobs for hardworking Pennsylvanians.