Study after study shows that pipelines are the safest, most efficient way to transport energy resources. Yet, a small group of southeastern Pennsylvania pipeline opponents continue to try to halt pipeline construction activities, with a planned protest in Harrisburg today.
Already well under way, Mariner East 2 represents one of the biggest economic opportunities Pennsylvania has seen in generations — a $9.1 billion investment that will support over 57,000 jobs and generate an estimated $122 million to the state during construction.
Despite benefits being realized by skilled laborers and communities across the commonwealth, opponents want to stop a project where 94 percent of the mainline construction is complete and 83 percent of the horizontal directional drills are complete.
Pipeline transportation is not only more economically beneficial and efficient than alternative forms, likes trucks and trains, but it is also the healthier, safer and more responsible choice as well. Government data already indicates that pipelines are the safest, most environmentally friendly way to transport energy resources because pipelines must adhere to strict state and federal regulation throughout construction, testing and infrastructure replacement to ensure system integrity.
In response to opponents’ most recent call to halt pipeline construction, please find a statement from the Pennsylvania Energy Infrastructure Alliance. Feel free to quote me, Kurt Knaus, as PEIA spokesman:
“Opponents’ claim that this project was approved without a thorough vetting ignores the very inconvenient truth that more than 29,000 formal comments were submitted at five state hearings held across the line as part of a review process that stretched more than three years. The process was rigorous and the requirements for construction remain strict. Every single opponent of this project has had ample opportunities to provide input on the pipeline — and their voices have been heard. Large construction projects are never seamless, but the benefits far outnumber the temporary disruptions to our daily lives. Study after study shows that pipelines are the safest, most efficient way to transport energy resources. Despite benefits being realized by skilled laborers and communities across the commonwealth, opponents want to stop a project where 94 percent of the mainline construction is complete and 83 percent of the horizontal directional drills are complete. Opponents to this pipeline will do and say anything to prevent the project’s completion and the $9.1 billion economic impact it will have for Pennsylvania in addition to the over 57,000 jobs it will create. It is difficult to argue against the positive benefits that this project will provide.”