Dominion targeting low-income communities with pipeline
Twenty-four of the 25 counties that the Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP) would impact are below the median income level for their state. These low income counties will suffer further if the pipeline is constructed, through lowered property values, reduced revenue to local governments, and reduced tourism.
Here is an example of economic hardship from the ACP even before it is built. We have an elderly neighbor and friend who recently lost his wife. His health is in decline, and he needs to pay for additional care at this time. His meager savings are being rapidly depleted, and he would like to sell his small piece of property to keep from going bankrupt. His property is in the blast zone of the ACP, virtually eliminating any chance of him being able to sell it. No one is going to buy property near the pipeline with so many other properties available elsewhere.
Dominion and their tail-wagging Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) have stated that property values will not be negatively impacted by the ACP, that local economies will prosper and that jobs will be created.
The truth is that property values have already fallen significantly, and will fall precipitously if the pipeline is built.
Local economies will suffer, and few jobs will be created. Even Dominion and FERC admit that only 39 permanent jobs would be created in Virginia, and 25 of them would be in Richmond, leaving only 14 jobs in the impacted communities. No permanent jobs would be created in Western Virginia. Other jobs will likely be lost due to the pipeline, leaving a net loss. Temporary construction jobs will be filled mostly with out-of-state workers who will send their money home.
I believe that the ACP is intentionally aimed at low-income communities because they are more vulnerable, and less able to resist a corporate attack. Dominion can seize their property more easily than in more affluent areas. This is typical predator behavior, and this will be the legacy of the ACP if it is built as proposed. We should not tolerate this in America.
Bill Limpert
Warm Springs
Pipeline critic should thank Dominion
Jennifer Lewis should praise Dominion for the safety and protection afforded her group, Friends of Augusta, at a Dominion shareholder meeting (“Into the lion’s den with Dominion,” Letters to the Editor, The News Virginian, May 26.)
In this day in age, whenever an opposing group assembles, there is always a chance of some real wacko getting violent when said wacko does not agree with the program or meeting being presented. Her and her friends should also thank Dominion and its shareholders for allowing them entrance in the first place.
And, as always, Ms. Lewis allows her one sided opinion to voice only half truths regarding this meeting. Tom Farrell attempted to correct some of the false information that biased sources in the media have presented. However, as usual, his professional, truthful, and knowledgeable explanations fall on deaf ears.
These anti-pipeline groups will only listen and spew about what they want the general public to believe.
Also, I would like Ms. Lewis to prove her statement regarding “the majority” (in reference to her statement that, “We in the majority need to keep putting pressure on Dominion …”) Where does she get her information from?
Mr. Farrell and Dominion are totally correct in stating the facts regarding the absolute requirement of this project to service our future growth of homes and businesses.
I will say it again, No gas, no wind, no sun, no lights!
Tom McDonald
Waynesboro –
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