Were making waves people! Keep on pushing!!!!!! (Plus I smell an election coming! P.U.) The evil drill baby drill Tom Corbett posted a fence setting comment to the Ferc yesterday that almost felt like he was leaning our way! Wow! Governor Tom Corbett, Harrisburg, PA. August 18, 2014 Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 888 First Street NE, Room 1A Washington, DC 20426 Re: Project Docket # PF 14-8-000 Transcontinental Gas Pipeline Company, LLC Atlantic Sunrise Expansion Project Dear Ms. Bose: I am writing to share with you my comments regarding the above-referenced project currently under review by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Under my Administration, and in cooperation with the General Assembly, Pennsylvania has done a great deal to ensure that natural gas is produced safely and responsibly in the Commonwealth. We have empowered the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to inspect and apply federal pipeline safety standards for pipelines that transmit gas within the Commonwealth. We have significantly increased the number of inspectors and funding for state oversight of natural gas development to protect our air, land and water resources. In addition, new emergency response plans and GPS addressing to assist our first responders is now mandatory at all unconventional oil and gas well sites. And most significantly, in 2012 I signed Act 13 which implemented new and significant enhancements to our environmental protection standards for oil and gas development, representing the first comprehensive update to the Pennsylvania Oil and Gas Act in nearly thirty years. Pennsylvania is also seeing significant benefits from increased domestic natural gas production, including the creation and strengthening of tens of thousands of new jobs, significant progress toward national energy independence and security, and lower energy costs for our citizens – by up to 40% since 2008 – that is saving thousands of dollars a year for customers and elevating our competitiveness as a state. However, at the same time as this development occurs, we must be very mindful of and sensitive to the issues of local communities affected by this development. The significant increase in infrastructure development to transport natural gas to markets raises unique concerns and questions for communities who host these pipelines. I have heard from many citizens of Pennsylvania who live near or along the proposed corridor of the Atlantic Sunrise pipeline and are concerned about the potential environmental impact of this project, in addition to raising questions regarding public safety and affects on property value. A portion of this project is proposed through areas of preserved farmland in the Commonwealth, where the state has worked in partnership with local elected officials and farmers to permanently protect land for agricultural use. Many residents have also expressed questions about what local benefit will be realized from this project. These are reasonable and practical questions, and while residents understand the general need to develop infrastructure to move energy resources to market, they have important questions regarding exactly where that infrastructure is located and what steps are being taken or considered to provide opportunities for tangible and direct local benefit from any project. Engagement with local elected officials and residents is crucial to identifying and outlining these direct local benefits While your current review is focused specific to the proposed Atlantic Sunrise pipeline, I also strongly urge FERC to seek coordination to the greatest extent possible among other proposed pipeline projects that seek to move natural gas to market. A recurring issue raised by local residents is whether we are efficiently deploying infrastructure – and the appropriate level of communication is occurring between potential project developers – in a manner that minimizes and mitigates overall disturbance on both the environment and local communities. Such coordination and efficiency has the advantage of maximizing benefit to consumers as well. Given the agency’s regulatory responsibility, and unique vantage point of being aware of other potential projects, I believe FERC is best situated to consider these factors as you continue your review of this proposed project. On behalf of the citizens of Pennsylvania, I appreciate your careful consideration of my comments in this important matter. Sincerely, TOM CORBETT Governor
Posted on: Tue, 19 Aug 2014 23:06:38 +0000
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