Poll finds support for Atlantic Coast Pipeline in WV, VA and NC

The State Journal
by Jim Ross

About 60 percent of West Virginia voters support the Atlantic Coast Pipeline project, while about 28 percent oppose it, according to an opinion poll released May 22 by the Consumer Energy Alliance.

Men show stronger support for the pipeline, with 67 percent in favor of it and 22 percent against, than do women, with 52 percent of them for it and 33 percent against.

The Atlantic Coast Pipeline is awaiting federal regulatory approval. It would run from the Marcellus Shale field of northern West Virginia through western Virginia and terminate in North Carolina, providing natural gas to markets there.

The poll found approval for the pipeline in Virginia and North Carolina, but not as strong as it is in West Virginia. Virginia voters favored it 54 percent to 31 percent. Men preferred it 65 percent to 23 percent, while only 45 percent of women supported it with 38 percent against.

About 52 percent of North Carolina voters support the pipeline and 32 percent oppose it. Again, most men favored it, 62 percent to 24 percent, while only 44 percent of women did, with 39 percent opposing.

Dominion Energy is the lead developer of the pipeline project.

“While a small minority of opponents has received disproportionate attention, the vast majority of people in the region want to see this pipeline built,” reads a statement issued by Aaron Ruby, media relations manager for Dominion Energy.

“Their voices deserve to be heard. They want a cleaner environment, lower energy bills and more economic opportunity. They want the tens of thousands of new jobs and new manufacturing industries the pipeline will bring to the region. They understand that it takes new infrastructure like the Atlantic Coast Pipeline to make that possible.

“We’re also encouraged by the support of more than 25 local governments, more than 250 business and labor organizations and the bipartisan leadership of all three state legislatures. We’re grateful for their support, and they have our strongest commitment that we’re going to protect the environment and safety of their communities.”

The Consumer Energy Alliance is a group of energy consumers, many of whom are industrial and commercial users. The group says it has about 450,000 members, including small businesses, individuals and farmers.

"As we've seen in years past, the success of those running for governor or for seats in this election cycle will hinge on their ability to promote issues that stimulate the economy, create jobs, contribute to the well-being of U.S. families and small businesses, as well as helping to ensure the protection of our environment," CEA President David Holt said. "And promoting the expansion of domestic energy production and infrastructure, especially pipelines, remains the best way to achieve all of the above.

"Voters clearly support the safe, responsible development of energy infrastructure such as the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. To win, candidates are going to have to listen and side with voters."

In a prepared statement, Anne Blankenship, executive director of the West Virginia Oil & Natural Gas Association, said, "This is one of several important pipeline projects pending in West Virginia, one that's a big issue for us and one that we're very excited about and supportive of. These pipeline projects, together, make up the largest private-sector investment this state has ever seen, and we feel like the construction of this pipeline and others are crucial for the success of our oil and gas industry.

"Pipelines like these would equate to more than $5 billion in economic impact, tens of thousands of jobs and significant local tax receipts for local government. Once this pipeline and other are constructed, they'll provide even more incentive for gas development in West Virginia, which will equate to more local jobs and tax benefits for local communities."

According to the firm that did the polling, the West Virginia survey sampled 405 registered voters. Telephone interviewing was done May 9-11. The sample was selected so all registered voters were equally likely to be contacted, including a sample of cell phone numbers. The results were adjusted slightly to align the sample with known facts about the geographic and demographic composition of West Virginia registered voters.

The estimation error in the sample is plus or minus 4.9 percentage points. In other words, in 95 out of 100 cases, the results of the poll are within 4.9 percentage points (plus or minus) of the results that would have been achieved in interviews with every registered voter in West Virginia. Estimation errors are higher among subgroups of the sample.