Chamber Expresses Support for Natural Gas Pipeline Project

Last week, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) held four public meetings to collect input on the draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Atlantic Sunrise natural gas pipeline project. The Chamber of Commerce submitted comments at Wednesday’s meeting in Bloomsburg in support of the expansion of Pennsylvania’s pipeline infrastructure. Public comments on the DEIS are being accepted until June 27th.

The Atlantic Sunrise project includes construction of 195 miles of 30 and 42-inch pipeline in Pennsylvania for the transmission of natural gas. The proposed route runs south through Columbia County. A compressor station is also proposed to be built in the county. Details about the project including maps are available here.

In early 2015, the Chamber Board solicited input from members on two natural gas pipeline projects in the region, the Atlantic Sunrise project, and the Sunbury Pipeline project. The Sunbury Pipeline consists of a 35-mile pipeline being constructed primarily to supply the Hummel Station power plant in Shamokin Dam, Snyder County. A portion of that pipeline will go through Montour County after being approved by FERC this spring. Following member input, the Board approved a resolution supporting “the expansion of Pennsylvania’s natural gas transportation and distribution pipeline infrastructure through responsible collaboration with property owners for the benefit of the citizenry and economy of the Commonwealth.”

The Draft Environmental Impact Statement, as well as links to electronically submit comments, are available through FERC’s website. Comments must be received by June 27, 2016.