Download a pdf of the original letter.

November 17, 2016

RE: Support of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline (FERC Docket #CP15-554)

Dear Governor McAuliffe:

As business leaders in Central Virginia, we applaud you for standing by your commitment to keep the Commonwealth’s economy growing and for the unwavering support you have shown for the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline project. As members of the EnergySure coalition, a broad-based coalition of more than 200 businesses, labor groups, and economic development organizations, we recognize the vital importance of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline to the environmental health and economic vitality of our region.

The benefits of the project are vast and well-documented. Not only will the Atlantic Coast Pipeline stimulate billions of dollars in economic development, create thousands of good-paying jobs, and promote cleaner air in Virginia, it will also save families and businesses hundreds of millions of dollars in energy costs each year. Securing our region’s energy supply will ensure that Virginia continues to attract the new industries and 21st century jobs that are essential to sustaining long-term economic growth.

Construction of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline is projected to create 8,800 jobs, $1.4 billion in economic activity and $2.4 million in annual tax revenue over a two-year period. That represents the largest private capital investment in Virginia in many years and an enormous economic boost to our state’s economy. Once in operation, the pipeline is expected to support $38 million in annual economic activity, 1,300 new jobs and, more than $10 million in local tax revenue for the 13 cities and counties along the proposed route.

Beyond the economic benefits it offers for Virginia, there is a compelling, urgent public need for this pipeline in order to provide cleaner electricity and affordable home heating for millions of Virginians. These are basic necessities that every Virginian depends on to power every aspect of our daily lives, and they require infrastructure like the Atlantic Coast Pipeline to make them possible. As our population grows and we transition from coal to cleaner-burning natural gas, our demand for natural gas is growing significantly. In order to meet federal mandates requiring dramatic reductions in carbon emissions, many coal-fired power plants are being replaced by a new generation of cleaner-burning natural gas plants. Our region’s existing pipeline infrastructure is fully tapped and unable to meet this significant growth in demand. That is one of the most basic and important reasons we urgently need new infrastructure like the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. Without it, Virginia will not be able to support a growing population, new industries or the transition to cleaner sources of energy.

Despite the urgent economic and environmental need for this project and the overwhelming public support it has received, a vocal minority of critics has received disproportionate attention from the media. But do not be mistaken, they do not represent the majority of Virginians. They do not represent Virginia’s business community, or the hardworking men and women who are the backbone of our economy. Be assured that as you continue to stand up for this vitally important project, you are standing up for the overwhelming majority of Virginians who support this pipeline and want to help build a brighter economic and environmental future for our Commonwealth. We want to reassure you that your efforts in support of this project are appreciated and have not gone unnoticed by the vast majority of Virginians.

As hardworking people, most of our members are busy on a day-to-day basis running our businesses, doing our jobs and contributing to our communities. While we may not capture the same media attention as environmental special interest groups or protesters, our voices matter too. We want you to know that we support you, and we have your back. The more than 200 organizations and businesses represented by our coalition are extremely grateful for your devotion, commitment and leadership to strengthening Virginia’s economy and looking out for the best interests of all Virginians. We will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with you in support of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, and together we will build the economic and environmental future Virginia deserves.

Sincerely,

• Boilermakers Local 45
• Boone Homes
• Budget Electrical & Mechanical
• Chamber RVA
• Columbia Gas of Virginia
• Ditch Witch of Virginia
• Dominion
• EarthScapes Irrigation & Landscaping
• Enspire Energy
• Froehling & Robertson, Inc.
• Greater Richmond Partnership
• Hourigan Construction
• IBEW Local 80, Chesapeake
• James River Air Conditioning Co. 
• Petersburg Chamber of Commerce
• RJ Smith Companies
• Roslyn Farm Corporation
• Rudy L. Hawkins, Electrical Contractor, Inc. 
• Southern Company Gas
• Virginia Asian Chamber of Commerce
• Virginia Chamber
• Virginia Forest Products Association
• Virginia FREE
• The Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Virginia Natural Gas
• Virginia Petroleum Council
• Virginia Poultry Federation
• Virginia State Building & Construction Trades Council
• Virginia’s Gateway Region 
• Willbros Group, Inc.

Cc: Commissioner Kimberly D. Bose, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Members, Virginia Congressional Delegation

Members, Virginia General Assembly