Nelson County Times
by Paul Busch
Living in the hotbed of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, it seems misinformation is abundant.
As a landowner and a supporter of the project, I find it interesting that opponents seem to believe their narrative and facts are the only ones we should listen to and believe. At times over the past few years, opponents have often omitted important information while promoting their cause. Simple facts, such as that the entire pipeline will be buried under ground, are rarely mentioned. The fact that pipelines are one of if not the safest methods for transporting substances such as natural gas across many miles also rarely gets the appropriate attention.
Finally, without debating the practicality of renewables, this alternative solution frequently pushed by opposition never features discussion on what the setbacks of those projects would be. Both wind turbines and solar panels require many times over the amount of land that the pipeline would take up, and neither avoid the issue of negatively impacting wildlife. From my point of view, filling Nelson County with massive windmills and thousands of solar panels will do much more damage to the scenery and wildlife than the Atlantic Coast Pipeline.
Additionally, unless opponents are hiding secret battery technology, we are nowhere near capable of sustaining the current energy demands of a 21st century economy with wind and solar alone. Countries such as Germany where renewables have been pushed the hardest have actually seen an increased usage of coal over the past few years, in order to maintain a base load and quick backup source of energy for renewables.
While I know my opinion on this issue will not change any hearts and minds, I hope I have given some perspective on the debate from someone who lives and works in Nelson County and lives very nearby the proposed route.
PAUL BUSCH
Lovingston
Read the full letter to the editor in the Nelson County Times