The notion that the gas will not be needed in the future is absurd. Federal and local agencies have agreed that gas is needed. Do opponents of the ACP have the right to protest? Absolutely. However, responsible opposition should also consider the corporate good.

From the article:

"Gas pipeline opposition appears to be motivated by one or more of the following: self-preservation, ideology, and/or distrust and hatred. Land owners who are on the proposed path, or who live close enough to feel threatened, are understandably in the first group. It affects them directly, both financially and emotionally.

Ideology rules renewable-energy proponents led by groups such as the Sierra Club. They are convinced that renewable sources can do the job and that provisions for more natural gas will encourage gas use. Their goal is to delay and, hopefully, stop the Atlantic Coast Pipeline altogether. The risk of gas shortages in the future is not their concern. Future economic hardship is acceptable collateral damage.

The final group of opponents to pipelines are the “Dominion haters” who view anything that Dominion proposes with suspicion — be it transmission lines, pipelines, or power plants. They frequently assert that the ACP is solely for the benefit of stock-holders, and Virginians will pay for it.

The notion that the gas will not be needed in the future is absurd. Federal and local agencies have agreed that gas is needed. Tidewater has already had natural gas shortfalls. More gas, not less, will be required to provide backup for new solar and wind generation.

Natural gas has many other uses in addition to electricity generation: residential and industrial space heating, many industrial processes, feedstock for petrochemical products, the list goes on. Ample gas supply is essential for a strong economy."

 Read the full article and more in The Richmond Times-Dispatch