Supreme Court supports Atlantic Coast Pipeline
- Details
- Tuesday, 30 June 2020
- Written by a Staff report
In a win for Eastern North Carolina jobs, economic development and clean energy, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a longstanding precedent allowing the Atlantic Coast Pipeline to cross beneath the Appalachian Trail — like more than 50 other pipelines already do without disturbing its public use.
While this is an exciting outcome, there is still some work to do in resolving several remaining project permits before construction can resume.
“The Court’s decision is an affirmation for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline and communities across our region that are depending on it for jobs, economic growth and clean energy,” said Tammy Thurman, Piedmont spokesperson. “The project will provide a much-needed source of natural gas to North Carolina, bringing with it economic opportunities in an underserved part of our state. Eastern North Carolina’s energy needs and prospects for economic success continue to be very important to us.”
When in service, here’s what the ACP means for your region and the state:
With access to a plentiful supply of affordable natural gas, the ACP will help to attract, compete for and win new manufacturers and industry in your counties.
With current infrastructure constrained, the ACP provides a direct new supply of natural gas that will bring enhanced capacity and pressure to eastern North Carolina — something industry and businesses need to operate.
Construction of the ACP would create more than 17,000 good-paying jobs and $2.7 billion in economic activity along the pipeline’s three-state route.
Job positions start at $20-$25 per hour and include free training, veteran’s programs and other benefits, such as health insurance and retirement plans.
The ACP will increase local spending, provide additional tax revenues and offer prospects for a better quality of life in your communities for many years to come.
The ACP will play an important role in the transition away from coal plants to cleaner natural gas and renewables, a critical part of our comprehensive climate and net-zero emissions strategy.
The ACP serves the strategic interests of our armed forces in North Carolina, strengthening resilient energy supplies for military readiness and national security and reducing the cost to maintain our military forces.
The ACP will reduce price volatility for all customers when natural gas demand is high during cold winter months.
The Supreme Court ruling is encouraging, and Piedmont Natural Gas appreciates everyone who has voiced support for the project. Eastern North Carolina’s energy needs continue to be very important to us, and the organization pledges to continue to help the region’s prospects for growth and economic success. To learn more about the project and supporters across the region, visit https://atlanticcoastpipeline.com and https://energysure.com
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Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin said it’s time for reform. “The people are demanding real change,” he said. “There are a number of statutory protections, which must be changed in order for the citizens to have true oversight.” 
A West Coast city is considering changing its name in the wake of calls to remove Confederate monuments and statues across the United States, according to a post on the city’s Facebook page. Officials are responding to requests that the town of Fort Bragg, California, change its name to avoid connotations associated with Confederate Army general Braxton Bragg. Mayor Will Lee said City Council will discuss whether to place the question of changing the name on the ballot in November for residents to decide. Calls to rename the town came after George Floyd’s death at the hands of Minneapolis, Minnesota, police. The protests that have followed Floyd’s death have spurred efforts to question statues, monuments or historical sites and names that have links to racial injustice. Fort Bragg is a coastal city along California’s Shoreline Highway in Mendocino County. The community was founded before the American Civil War as a military garrison nearly a century before the Army established Camp Bragg, North Carolina, as a training garrison. 
With the onset of hurricane season, we are reminded of the local impact of Hurricanes Matthew in 2016 and Florence in 2018. Being prepared can help families stay safe and avoid or reduce damage in the event of severe weather. Fayetteville’s Public Works Commission is ready to implement aggressive emergency plans when faced with a hurricane or other disaster. “Crews are always prepared to swing into action, just as soon as it’s safe, and work around the clock to restore your service,” a spokesman said.
The Greater Fayetteville Chamber is moving its offices to Festival Park Plaza. The Chamber is moving this month to a new suite of offices on Ray Avenue, according to a news release from Chamber President and CEO Christine Michaels. The change will be effective June 30. The building the Chamber has occupied for the past five years on Maxwell Street down town, is for sale. 
The Fayetteville Area System of Transit is operating three new minivans, which it says will better serve paratransit service customers. The minivans are equipped with wheelchair ramps, two-way radios and mobile tablets with GPS. The FASTTRAC minivans can go where bigger vans cannot and improve access in parking lots and neighborhoods for customers who are going to medical facilities and stores. In May of this year, FASTTRAC services averaged about 760 trips per week, compared to 1,500 trips per week in May 2019, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. FAST patrons interested in paratransit services must meet criteria defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. To apply or make a reservation, call 910-433-1232. The minivans are dispatched based on current schedules and availability. All FASTTRAC services and FAST bus rides are free during the pandemic.
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