ALTOONA, Pa. – Members of the Pennsylvania Energy Infrastructure Alliance (PEIA) testified today before the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to endorse the Mariner East 2 pipeline project and promote the need for the safe, responsible development of critical infrastructure that will help Pennsylvania realize the full economic potential of domestic natural gas liquids (NGLs) and natural gas production.
Edwin D. Hill Jr., International Representative, Business Development, for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), with more than 40,000 members statewide: “Energy development in Pennsylvania gives us an economic advantage over other regions, but in order to allow this opportunity to come to full fruition, we have to invest in pipeline infrastructure. And when trades do the work, that’s good news for our workers and great news for our communities, because having skilled tradesmen on the job enhances safety and efficiency in building and maintenance.”
Vincent J. Matteo, President and CEO of the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce: “With the energy resources we have in play in Pennsylvania, we have a unique opportunity to create a robust and diverse economy that benefits present and future generations. But the only way we can do that is if we have a safe and reliable way to transport these resources. That means we have to develop a modern energy infrastructure.”
Linda Thomson, President of JARI and a member of PEIA: “Manufacturing is a big part of our economy. We need to take the necessary steps to ensure its long-term vitality. That means investing in modern energy infrastructure to help grow our manufacturing industries, strengthen our economy and enhances the quality of life we all enjoy.”
Stan LaFuria, Executive Director of the Moshannon Valley Economic Development Partnership and a member of PEIA: “There are wells that have been drilled but remain capped or non-producing because there is no infrastructure to capture the gas and deliver it to market. The development of energy infrastructure is pivotal to unlocking Pennsylvania’s economic potential and essential to ensuring our manufacturers and businesses remain competitive in their respective markets.”
PEIA members testified in person or submitted comments for the record to the DEP, which is convening five hearings through Aug. 18, all along the path of Mariner East 2 project. The Blair County hearing was the first in that series. PEIA is a broad-based coalition of labor, agriculture, manufacturing and other business interests that support private investment in pipeline and other energy infrastructure developments. The alliance has more than 30 members statewide.
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The Pennsylvania Energy Infrastructure Alliance was launched June 8, 2015 by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce and Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, along with the Laborers International Union of North America and the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 66. Visit www.paallianceforenergy.com for more information, or go to Twitter @PAllies4Energy.
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(717) 571- 5687