STATEMENT: PEIA Responds to Latest Efforts to Halt Pipeline Construction in Pa.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PEIA Responds to Latest Efforts
to Halt Pipeline Construction in Pa.

HARRISBURG (October 17, 2017) – Even though study after study shows that pipelines are the safest, most efficient way to transport energy resources, a small group of legislators and pipeline opponents gathered in the state Capitol on Tuesday, Oct. 17 in an attempt to halt pipeline drilling and construction activities throughout the commonwealth.

Already well under construction, Mariner East 2 represents one of the biggest economic opportunities Pennsylvania has seen in generations — a $3 billion investment that will create over 30,000 jobs and generate $4.3 billion in economic activity. The $3 billion Atlantic Sunrise pipeline, which recently began construction, is expected to support 8,000 jobs, with construction activities generating about $16.9 million in additional state taxes and supporting a payroll totaling about $501.6 million during the construction phase alone. Both projects pass through the mid-state.

Members of the Pennsylvania Energy Infrastructure Alliance (PEIA) have crisscrossed Pennsylvania to support pipeline projects and promote private investments that will help to build out the state’s infrastructure network, with members offering testimony and public remarks at numerous federal, state and local public hearings and forums in dozens of communities in counties across the state.
Regarding the most recent attempts by opponents to halt construction, please find the following statement, which can be attributed to PEIA spokesman Kurt Knaus:

“Despite the strict, lengthy regulatory process already in place, and with pipeline construction under way, opponents continue every effort to stop or delay these projects. Pipelines remain the safest and most efficient way to transport our energy resources to supply consumers, manufacturers, and big and small businesses alike. The benefits aren’t off in some distant location or far off in the future. They are happening right now and already providing huge benefits locally. Unfortunately, there is nothing pretty about large construction projects — whether you’re building a highway or developing a pipeline. And make no mistake about it: these pipelines are major infrastructure projects. But best management practices like horizontal directional drilling actually limit environmental impacts. In all cases, regulatory requirements and oversight are strict. Sunoco’s Mariner East 2 pipeline was the subject of numerous local and state-sponsored public hearings and forums over the course of more than three years, and was approved only after intense regulatory scrutiny. Atlantic Sunrise was subject to the same scrutiny.”

Opponents have questioned the use of horizontal directional drilling (HDD), which is being used to minimize the impact of construction to environmentally sensitive areas. HDD is an industry best practice. The alternative option of open cut trench installation would have a much greater negative impact to Pennsylvania’s wetlands, steams, and other environmentally sensitive areas.

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PEIA is a broad-based coalition comprising labor, agriculture, conservation, manufacturing, retail and other business groups focused on increasing access to affordable natural gas and natural gas liquids. More information about the 30-member alliance can be found here online at www.paallianceforenergy.com; via Twitter at @PAllies4Energy; or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PAllies4Energy

 Contact: Kurt Knaus, PEIA Spokesman  E: [email protected]  P: 717-571- 5687