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Public sounds off on proposed Lebanon, Lancaster pipeline

ANNVILLE TWP., Pa. – Lebanon County residents gave Federal regulators an earful Tuesday night as those officials consider approval of a natural gas pipeli...
Pipeline

ANNVILLE TWP., Pa. - Lebanon County residents gave Federal regulators an earful Tuesday night as those officials consider approval of a natural gas pipeline.

More than 100 people filled the meeting held by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission at Lebanon Valley College, dozens of them speaking out both against and in favor of the proposed Atlantic Sunrise pipeline.

"We've allowed political pressure to force us to ignore the fact that we're sending billions of dollars a year overseas two people that just don't like us, and frankly don't have our best interest in mind," Mayor Mark Thomas of Cornwall Borough in Lebanon County said. "I think it's time we take a stand and stop the nonsense and become energy independent."

But many residents are unconvinced, saying that the product would not be used to benefit domestic customers.

"The main purpose of the pipeline is to pipe the gas to a point where it can be ready for shipment to overseas markets, where they can command a higher price and drive down the glut of gas in the US," West Cornwall Township resident Doug Lorenzen said.

The pipeline proposed by Williams would run 190 miles through central Pennsylvania, much of it in Lebanon and Lancaster counties before connecting with the Transco pipeline.

A draft statement by FERC concludes the project would have minimal impact on the environment.

"And this will enable natural gas, this abundant natural gas that is being produced here in Pennsylvania to get to more end users, not only in the state, but also up in New England and other states as well," Stephanie Wiseman of the Associated Petroleum Industries of Pennsylvania said.

Residents fighting the pipeline say it poses a public health and safety risk, and say they will fight the proposal to the bitter end.

"FERC's goal is not to listen, but to create the illusion of listening, to stage a theatrical performance meant to foster a mirage of public input that will serve to justify FERC's inevitable authorization of this monster of a pipeline," Michael Schroeder, of Annville Township, said.

The public may still submit written comment through the end of the month, with a decision on approval expected early next year.

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