Pennsylvania’s pipeline infrastructure continues to transport shale’s benefits to more consumers and manufacturers across our state all while strengthening our nation’s security. Yet a recent letter (“Pennsylvania, pursue your happiness unless you live here, “ March 17) neglects to mention any of these facts.
The letter’s author –- a well-documented anti-gas activist -– is correct on one assertion: the overwhelming bipartisan support for developing Pennsylvania’s pipeline network.
State Sen. John Yudichak, D-Plymouth Township, is correct to “promote the installation of gas transmission pipelines across our state” because, as the senator said in a recent Citizens’ Voice article (Feb. 28), “We can grow the natural gas industry in a responsible way.”
Sen. Yudichak is absolutely right. As the local natural gas industry moves forward with the safe build-out and modernization of Pennsylvania’s pipeline network, consumers and manufacturers across are benefitting in the form of lower energy costs. We’re regaining a competitive advantage and reshoring American jobs once lost abroad, making for a stronger, more united nation. The industry supports the safe and efficient transport of our natural gas to market and believes strongly in working with all stakeholders as underscored through its participation in the Pipeline Infrastructure Task Force to attain this goal.
As our nation moves forward, we must all protect our environment and find ways to become more energy-efficient. Pennsylvania is nicknamed the Keystone State for being an integral part of our nation’s commerce. Providing natural gas to the other parts of our nation is not possible if it is cut off at its source. And let’s not forget the tens of thousands of good-paying jobs supported locally by development of these important infrastructure projects, which according to Dennis Martire of the Laborers’ International Union of North America, are a “lifeline to family-supporting jobs.”
It’s absolutely critical we continue the build-out of midstream infrastructure to enable more consumer and regional manufacturer access to energy savings. Expanding and modernizing our pipeline infrastructure will directly benefit local communities, boost Pennsylvania’s economy, and help make America more energy secure.
Chris Borton
Forty Fort
