The News Virginian
by Willis Cutchin

The recent order of approval for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is exciting for those of us who have been advocating for this project for the past several years.

I am glad to see the agency certify what most supporters already knew. We know this project is going to create jobs, right here, for Virginians. Opponents argue these are only temporary jobs. I wonder, do they also consider home builders, road workers, and other construction jobs as only temporary?

For most individuals, working on the ACP, a two-year engagement, might be the longest they will ever work on one project, making it a real game changer. Everyone likes to talk about bringing more, well-paying jobs to Virginia, and this project will do just that. The final FERC order itself highlighted this important benefit, noting that short term benefits will come not only from jobs created and wages paid, but also through the transactions that occur around work sites. Materials, food, work equipment, fuel, and much more will be required during construction, and will greatly impact the local economies along the route.

I am excited to see the culmination of three years of public input come to fruition, and encourage remaining permitting agencies to allow these benefits to be fully realized. This pipeline will join the nearly 4,000 miles of natural gas lines operating safely in Virginia today, and will greatly improve the local and state economies.

Willis Cutchin, Churchville

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