Release of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement Brings New Pipeline Infrastructure in Region Closer to Construction and Operation
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) released a draft Environmental Impact Statement (dEIS) for the Rover pipeline project, one of a handful of proposed pipeline projects crossing through the region. The move represents the latest step in advancing the project toward its approval and construction.
“The publication of the dEIS represents an important step forward in the review of the Rover pipeline project, and the Michigan Laborers are encouraged to see FERC proceed with its evaluation of Rover’s application,” said Geno Alessandrini, Sr., of the Michigan Laborers’ Union. “We’re ready to get to work on construction, and we urge the Commission to continue its timely review.”
The Coalition welcomed the sign of progress, noting we had yet to begin reviewing the content of the massive dEIS.
“Our organization plans to review the document in full. But we’re encouraged by this positive step in FERC’s timeline. The news today means this vital infrastructure project is even closer to operation,” said Rebecca McPhail, President of the West Virginia Manufacturers Association. “Manufacturers in West Virginia and throughout the region stand to benefit greatly from the increased access to natural gas afforded by the Rover pipeline project.”
Robert L. White, President of the Ohio State Grange, continued, “It might surprise some people to hear that the agricultural sector is one of the most energy-intensive in the nation. Natural gas both powers our farms in Ohio and aids in crop growth through the development of fertilizers. Expanded access to natural gas in the form of new pipelines would benefit agricultural endeavors in Ohio by stabilizing farmers’ overhead costs. We look forward to an expedient appraisal of the project’s application by FERC.”
As the Coalition prepares for the next steps in the approval process for Rover, we urge FERC to maintain a timely review schedule in order to keep this project moving. We look forward to continuing to educate the public on natural gas infrastructure and its many positive effects.
About CEPI: The Coalition for the Expansion of Pipeline Infrastructure (CEPI) is a partnership of entities from the agriculture, business, manufacturing, and labor sectors whose goal is to educate and advocate for expanding responsibly constructed, local-jobs creating pipeline infrastructure in Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. Together it represents more than 20,000 individuals, farmers, and businesses from across Ohio and Michigan. Members of the coalition include the Laborers District Council of Ohio, Land Improvement Contractors Association – Michigan, Michigan Chemistry Council, Michigan Forest Products Council, Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association, Michigan Laborers’ District Council, Michigan Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust (LECET), Michigan Oil and Gas Association, Michigan State Grange, Ohio Association of Convenience Stores, Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Ohio Chemistry Technology Council, Ohio Council of Retail Merchants, Ohio Grocers Association, Ohio Hotel & Lodging Association, Ohio Manufacturers Association, Ohio Oil and Gas Association, Ohio State Grange, Pipeliners Local 798, United Association and the West Virginia Manufacturers Association. For more information about CEPI, visit http://expandpipelineinfrastructure.org/who-we-are/