WASHINGTON, D.C. — Dominion Energy and environmental advocates are once again at loggerheads over the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s release of their Final Environmental Impact Statement on the Atlantic Coast Pipeline.
Leslie Hartz, Dominion Energy’s Vice President, Engineering & Construction, released a statement Friday praising what the company is describing as a favorable report.
“This report is the culmination of one of the most thorough and exhaustive environmental reviews that has ever been performed for a project of this scope. The report is based on nearly three years of painstaking study by more than a dozen federal agencies, as well as extensive engagement with communities along the proposed route. Drawing on more than 150,000 pages of regulatory filings and more than 75,000 public comments, FERC’s report comprehensively addresses all of the environmental and safety issues that have been raised. By any measure, this has been a rigorous and transparent process. It has provided extensive opportunities for public review and participation, and it has left no stone unturned.”
The more than $5 billion project is expected to support more than 17,000 jobs during construction and maintain over 2,000 jobs upon it’s completion.
Steve White, Director of West Virginia Affiliated Construction Trades, offered his support for the project, which will begin in Harrison County and continue through Lewis County, Upshur County, Randolph County, and Pocahontas County.
“I want to thank FERC for their diligent review and open, transparent public process. For the last three years our members have attended hearings and expressed our support for this project. Today we are excited this project is moving forward. Construction of the pipeline will put thousands of West Virginians to work and stimulate close to $500 million in economic activity over a two-year period. These aren’t just any jobs; these are skilled jobs – welders, equipment operators, skilled laborers – that earn upwards of $50 an hour or more. These jobs provide a livelihood that can support families and a real future for West Virginians.”
Allegheny-Blue Ridge Alliance Executive Director Lew Freeman released a response critical of the final document.
“At first glance, this FERC document reveals significant gaps in information and woefully inadequate analysis, which is no surprise based on the agency’s historic rubber-stamp approach to virtually all natural gas interstate pipelines. It’s critical to note that although FERC appears destined to approve it, without regard for whether it is needed, this pipeline is not a done deal. All three states are right now reviewing the project’s impacts to water resources, and we will insist they do an honest and thorough job, and if they do, they will surely see it would wreak unacceptable harm.”
Construction could begin later this year. If the current timeline holds, the Atlantic Coast Pipeline could be in service by 2019.
Harrison County Chamber of Commerce President Kathy Wagner released the following statement.
“Today the lead federal agency released a favorable environmental report. First proposed in September 2014, the Atlantic Coast Pipeline is nearing the finish line of an exhaustive three-year federal permitting process, setting the stage for final approval later this year. This project comes at an opportune time for West Virginia. The Atlantic Coast Pipeline gives us the chance to grow our state’s economy and capitalize on our abundant natural resources for the benefit of our people. Through this pipeline and others, West Virginians have the chance to once again contribute to another century of American progress.”
The project is expected to account for nearly $3 billion in economic activity across the entire region.