Background: The following is a statement by Pat Kornick, spokesperson for PennEast Pipeline Company, regarding today’s issuance of FERC‘s Notice of Availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS).
“Today’s announcement by FERC is another major step forward in the review of the PennEast Pipeline Project and the goal to safely deliver clean, American-made energy.
“FERC has concluded that, ‘approval of the Project would result in some adverse environmental impacts; however, most of these impacts would be reduced to less-than-significant levels with the implementation of PennEast’s proposed mitigation and the additional recommendations in the draft EIS.’ This conclusion puts PennEast one step closer to providing a vital source of reliable, affordable energy for local homes, hospitals, businesses and schools. Low energy prices benefit everyone, especially helping those least able to pay their bills.
“FERC’s action will provide additional opportunity for input on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Since its August 2014 inception, PennEast has held more than 250 meetings with landowners, residents and public officials. Dozens of route changes were implemented through those conversations, including collocating 37 percent of the Pipeline’s route alongside other utility rights of way, to minimize environmental and community impacts. Our application before FERC reflects our strong commitment to constructing and operating the PennEast Pipeline in an environmentally sensitive manner while meeting or exceeding all federal safety standards.
“The companies that will use PennEast include every natural gas public utility serving New Jersey, and major utilities that serve customers in southeastern Pennsylvania and New York City. PennEast is proud to have the support of countless residents, businesses and labor organizations that understand how essential this project is for energy reliability, lowering costs to consumers and our economy.
“We look forward to additional environmental input gained at FERC’s upcoming public comment meetings pertaining to the DEIS. Following these meetings, PennEast will await FERC’s Final Environmental Impact Statement in the months ahead, and anticipates FERC’s final decision in 2017.”
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