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

YOUNGWOOD, 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.

Tim Schultheis, President of Latrobe-based Schultheis Electric: “Our company is based right here. This is our backyard. We’re committed to caring for the environment around us and making sure developments are safe for our families and beneficial for our communities. Study after study show that pipelines are the safest, most efficient form of transportation for energy resources. Beyond that, our team is among the most qualified, reliable and experienced contractors in the region. We take great pride in ensuring our work will meet and exceed safety requirements.”

Chris Petrone, Legislative Director for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 66: “We firmly believe that large-scale infrastructure projects, like the Mariner East 2 pipeline, can create new opportunities, and that these projects will have a long-term, positive impact on the entire commonwealth. I can tell you firsthand that the economic benefits of natural gas in the Marcellus and Utica shale formations have transformed life in western Pennsylvania. In fact, without the shale gas industry, our Local would have anywhere between 10 percent to 20 percent higher unemployment.”

Mike Butler, Mid-Atlantic Executive Director of the Consumer Energy Alliance: “This project does a good job of balancing our energy needs with our nation’s environmental and conservation goals. Moreover, access to more affordable, reliable natural gas means lower energy costs for consumers, more opportunities for manufacturers and businesses, and a valuable raw feedstock for the construction of plastics, cars and other products that can be made locally.”

Joe Kirk, Executive Director of the Mon Valley Alliance: “We need infrastructure that will enable us to broaden markets for natural gas and promote broader utilization of this clean, efficient, affordable energy source. Supporting Pennsylvania’s energy industry through development of these types of projects will provide a huge economic boost — now and well into the future.”

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 Westmoreland County hearing was the final 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.

Contact: [email protected]

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