Last month I posted that it would be important to get involved in the energy development process because there were several opportunities for you, the general public, to contribute your views. (Bearing Drift)
That continues to be true.
Beginning tonight through next week, there are five public hearings on the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline. Yes, the same pipeline that Governor Terry McAuliffe called an “energy superhighway.” (Bearing Drift)
Of course, environmentalists are crying foul and doing everything they can to keep what even our most liberal elected officials see as important for our economic prosperity.
Here are just the simple facts of how this pipeline will benefit Virginia:
· 8800 jobs in VA during construction
· 1,400 permanent jobs
· $337 million in consumer savings with ACP
· ACP will generate $10 million annually in new tax revenue to localities along the route
· EPA regs are causing the move from coal to natural gas as a reliable fuel to generate electricity (by Dominion and Duke Energy)
· Gas will also be used by natural gas customers (VA Natural Gas and Piedmont Gas are partners in the pipeline)
· The gas will NOT be exported – its all for use in VA and NC customers
· Natural gas is safe, less expensive and clean-burning
· Tapping into natural gas from shale formations in OH, WV and PA will help the US achieve energy independence from foreign sources
Pretty simple, eh?
If you would like to support the effort, consider attending one of these five public sessions, beginning tonight:
Thursday, March 12, 2015m 7:00 PM
Jolliff Middle School
1021 Jolliff Road
Chesapeake, VA 23331
Monday, March 16, 2015, 7:00 PM
Dinwiddie Middle School
11608 Courthouse Road
Dinwiddie, VA 23841
Tuesday, March 17, 2015, 7:00 PM
Prince Edward County High School Auditorium
1482 Zion Hill Road
Farmville, VA 23901
Wednesday, March 18, 2015, 7:00 PM
Nelson County Middle School
6925 Thomas Nelson Highway
Lovingston, VA 22949
Thursday, March 19, 2015, 7:00 PM
Stuarts Draft High School
1028 Augusta Farms Road
Stuarts Draft, VA 24477
If you are looking for more expansive information, check out this study.
As Virginians and Americans, we have got to stop intentionally undermining our future. That starts by getting involved and supporting commonsense projects on energy production here at home.