The Washington Post
by Jim Elliot
Peter Galuszka’s Sept. 3 Local Opinions essay, “Questions remain on Dominion’s proposed pipeline in Virginia ,” raised important questions about the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. They have all been answered. The natural gas will generate cleaner electricity, heat homes and create jobs in Virginia and North Carolina.
In Hampton Roads, energy supplies are so tight that industrial facilities have been shut off during the winter to keep homes and hospitals warm. The gas will reduce carbon emissions by replacing higher-emitting coal plants and support renewables by filling in when solar and wind aren’t able to produce electricity. Vast new supplies of natural gas will also attract new industries, particularly manufacturing.
Dominion Virginia Energy needs a second pipeline for energy security and lower prices for consumers.
The vast majority of the natural gas in Virginia and North Carolina comes through a single pipeline from the Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane Harvey demonstrated how supply from that region can be disrupted by extreme weather and send prices soaring. Having a second supply source from the nearby Appalachian region can help keep prices stable and service reliable.
Studies have shown that the pipeline will lower Virginians’ energy costs by more than $240 million a year even after the cost of the pipeline is included. That is money in the pockets of families and business owners.
Read the full letter to the editor in The Washington Post