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Proposals Would Reform Gas-Pipeline Approval
By Bradley Vasoli, The Bulletin
U.S. Reps. Jim Gerlach, R-6th, and Joe Sestak, D-7th, unveiled legislation they hope will address their constituents’ persistent concerns about natural-gas pipelines in Chester County yesterday.
Three projects to build or expand such lines through the county have reached various stages of the approval process. Currently, the Williams Transco energy company has taken 53 property owners, like East Caln Township homeowner Louis Ottaviano, to court to acquire land through eminent domain to expand a 2,600-foot pipeline that runs through the region. Mr. Gerlach and Mr. Sestak visited Mr. Ottaviano’s residence to announce their proposals.
One measure would establish an independent Office of Public Advocate within the federal Justice Department to hear citizens’ input and evaluate decisions made by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) that approves pipelines. Should the prospective office consider a project hazardous to residents, it could appeal FERC’s decision to sign off on it.
The other proposal would insist FERC convene at least one public meeting prior to approving a project on either public or private lands. Pennsylvania U.S. Sens. Arlen Specter, R, and Bob Casey, D, have introduced companion legislation in the Senate.
“They are not required to hold any public hearings, so that’s why congressman gerlach’s been out in front on this,” Gerlach spokesman Kori Walter said. “Let’s get it in writing. Let’s not just go on the goodwill of FERC.”
Mr. Walter said the federal agency did meet publicly with area residents, but only after Mr. Gerlach and other public officials pressed the issue.
FERC’s communications office said the agency is still reviewing the lawmakers’ proposed reforms.
Other natural-gas pipeline projects that have made some residents wary on environmental and other grounds include a planned AES line between Lower Oxford and West Vincent and a Dominion pipeline between Honey Brook and East Whiteland.
Bradley Vasoli can be reached at bvasoli@thebulletin.us
Three projects to build or expand such lines through the county have reached various stages of the approval process. Currently, the Williams Transco energy company has taken 53 property owners, like East Caln Township homeowner Louis Ottaviano, to court to acquire land through eminent domain to expand a 2,600-foot pipeline that runs through the region. Mr. Gerlach and Mr. Sestak visited Mr. Ottaviano’s residence to announce their proposals.
One measure would establish an independent Office of Public Advocate within the federal Justice Department to hear citizens’ input and evaluate decisions made by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) that approves pipelines. Should the prospective office consider a project hazardous to residents, it could appeal FERC’s decision to sign off on it.
The other proposal would insist FERC convene at least one public meeting prior to approving a project on either public or private lands. Pennsylvania U.S. Sens. Arlen Specter, R, and Bob Casey, D, have introduced companion legislation in the Senate.
“They are not required to hold any public hearings, so that’s why congressman gerlach’s been out in front on this,” Gerlach spokesman Kori Walter said. “Let’s get it in writing. Let’s not just go on the goodwill of FERC.”
Mr. Walter said the federal agency did meet publicly with area residents, but only after Mr. Gerlach and other public officials pressed the issue.
FERC’s communications office said the agency is still reviewing the lawmakers’ proposed reforms.
Other natural-gas pipeline projects that have made some residents wary on environmental and other grounds include a planned AES line between Lower Oxford and West Vincent and a Dominion pipeline between Honey Brook and East Whiteland.
Bradley Vasoli can be reached at bvasoli@thebulletin.us
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