Even though study after study shows that pipelines are the safest, most efficient way to transport energy resources, a small group of southeastern Pennsylvania legislators and pipeline opponents continue to try to halt pipeline drilling and construction activities.
There’s nothing pretty about large construction projects, whether you’re building a highway or developing a pipeline like Mariner East 2. But all of these major infrastructure projects are essential to our way of life and continued growth.
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 need to progress.
In most cases, it’s skilled laborers on the front lines — in the trenches, rain or shine, building these projects for the benefit of commonwealth residents. And the rules they follow are strict. Pipelines must adhere to strict state and federal regulation throughout pipeline construction, testing and infrastructure replacement to ensure system integrity. According to data collected by the U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, the natural gas delivery system is actually the safest form of energy delivery in the country.
In response to calls to halt pipeline construction, please find a statement from the Pennsylvania Energy Infrastructure Alliance. Feel free to quote me, Kurt Knaus, as PEIA spokesman:
“These are major infrastructure projects. And the regulatory requirements and oversight are strict. Sunoco’s Mariner East 2 pipeline was the subject of numerous hearings and forums for three years, and was approved only after intense regulatory scrutiny. That same intense scrutiny continues today, as regulators are monitoring the development process every step of the way. Critics refuse to accept the long-term economic transformation being powered locally by these projects. Halting these projects would deny our commonwealth of important opportunities while thwarting the safest and most efficient way we have to transport our energy resources to businesses and consumers alike.”
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Kurt Knaus, Spokesman
Pennsylvania Energy Infrastructure Alliance
P: 717-571-5687
Harrisburg, Pa.
PEIA is a broad-based coalition of labor, agriculture, manufacturing and other business interests statewide that support private investment in pipeline and other energy infrastructure developments.