Pipeline the safe, sensible choice
The News Virginian

This post is in regards to all the negative expressions regarding the Atlantic Coast Pipeline.

Our country, as a whole, has a dreadful national debt, quickly approaching $20 trillion Dollars. This must be reduced before it gets so far out of hand that it cannot be fixed. We must do all we can to encourage a revitalization of manufacturing and various other industries in order to reduce this very dangerous debt.

In order to accomplish this feat, we must have the energy sources on hand to accommodate the drastically needed increase in economic development.

Taking everything into consideration, this pipeline is the only logical answer.

After numerous studies, inspections, and discussions, it has been a proven fact that the pipeline is a safe, economical, beneficial and a much-needed source of energy.

One of the frequent arguments I have heard against the ACP is that here in the Valley, energy consumption has been reduced over the last few years. Well, so has our industry, which consumed a lot of this energy. Dupont is a perfect example of this.

Another argument is the use of solar and wind as an alternative. It has also been a proven fact that there is no way either or both of these sources can measure up to the amount of electricity that can be provided by gas, which we drastically need to get our country back on track.

I am sure everyone will agree that the weather is not, and can never be, controlled at any cost. Therefore, no wind or sun, no electricity. That being said, natural gas is the bridge fuel needed to have consistent power for homes and businesses.

Also, do we really want to destroy our beautiful countryside with very ugly, noisy windmills, or fields and fields of solar panels? I don't think so! Both of these energy sources will also require power lines to carry the electricity to grid distribution stations.

To accomplish this will require the construction of many above-ground power poles or digging many deep underground trenches. As the windmills are a mechanical device, they will require periodical maintenance, along with bearing replacements.

The solar panels will, undoubtedly, deteriorate in time from constant exposure to the sun and will need replacement. Invariably this will prove to be a very expensive project.

Additionally, at least one signs has been erected in Augusta County stating “blast zone,” supposedly representing places that will be impacted by the pipeline.

These signs do more damage to our community by creating unnecessary fears. A pipeline already exists in Augusta County and has been in use since the 1960s.

In summing this up, the pipeline really is the only logical choice.

Tom McDonald
Waynesboro

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