PEIA Members Testify in Favor of Mariner East Pipeline Project at DEP Hearing in Chester County WEST

WEST CHESTER, 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.

Trish McFarland, President of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce: “Pennsylvania’s energy renaissance gives us a huge competitive edge — and it is an opportunity we cannot afford to miss. With development of the state’s shale gas reserves, transporting products like natural gas and natural gas liquids is becoming increasingly important, especially for southeastern Pennsylvania. But if we are going to realize our full potential, then we must encourage investments in projects that will upgrade and modernize critical energy infrastructure.”

 
Anthony Gallagher, Business Manager of Steamfitters Local Union 420: “Our skilled work force has played a vital role in helping build out our current energy infrastructure. We handle the installation, maintenance and repair of large piping systems. We’re trained in every step of the pipefitting process, including all forms of welding, brazing, soldering, plastic fusion and all other methods of joining together pipe. Our training, safety and accreditation programs are the gold standard for the modern pipeline industry in the United States today. When this pipeline is built, it will be built safely and to the highest standards because of skilled union labor.”

Helen Levins, Government Affairs Coordinator for the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) – Penn-Del-Jersey Chapter: “Vital infrastructure projects like this pipeline are a shared priority for our industry and the overall wellbeing of the region where we work and live. The Penn-Del Jersey Chapter is proud to represent the most qualified, reliable and experienced contractors in the region. Our contractor members and labor partners are well prepared for the jobs of the future and are committed to helping Pennsylvania become one of the premier energy-producing states and boost its long-term local manufacturing, transportation, and trade opportunities.”

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 Chester County hearing was the third 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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