Not everyone is opposing project
While many residents and legislators in Delaware and Chester counties appear to be singing in unison in their concern about the Sunoco/Energy Transfer Partners pipeline, not everyone is humming the same tune.
The actions taken in recent days “are nothing more than last-ditch attempts by a few groups opposed to this project at all costs,” according to a press release from the Pennsylvania Energy Infrastructure Alliance, which advocates for the safe, responsible development of critical energy infrastructure projects that strengthen local economies. It noted the construction followed more than three years of public meetings, formal comment sessions and regulatory reviews, after which the project received the necessary and legal approvals by regulators and officials.
The homeowners and General Assembly members have called for a halt to the work on the pipeline in addition to several environmental groups petitioning the state Environmental Hearing Board to stop the horizontal directional drilling (HDD) associated with the project. The alliance, however, argues the method is a common technique used to promote safety and minimize impacts to the environment or existing infrastructure.
“This is the same refrain by the same vocal activists: Stop the Mariner East 2 pipeline project no matter the cost,” said spokesperson Kurt Knaus. “These groups are against energy infrastructure projects and do not care about the positive benefits that they would provide. Not only do they want to stop this project, but they don’t care that their efforts to oppose major energy infrastructure projects ultimately affect consumers and the future of Pennsylvania’s economic growth.
“Mariner East 2 is currently being built according to the law and with close oversight by regulators. Because these groups oppose all positive development, this is just their latest attempt to stop the countless benefits this project will provide,” he added.