PennEast Pipeline Company LLC Friday announced the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the 120-mile pipeline saying the it can be built with minimal impact to the environment.

The pipeline route goes through Bucks, Carbon, Luzerne and Northampton counties in Pennsylvania.

The Final EIS is the last major federal regulatory hurdle for PennEast Pipeline prior to an anticipated favorable order from FERC Commissioners that would result in approval of the Project. The Order would award PennEast a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity and is expected this summer.

“Federal regulators have once again determined that PennEast Pipeline can deliver enormous benefits for the region, including lower electric and gas bills, thousands of jobs, enhanced reliability, and direct access to one of the most abundant and affordable supplies of clean-burning natural gas in all of North America - while doing so with little impact on the environment,” said Dat Tran, chair of the Board of Managers for PennEast Pipeline Company. “The thorough review conducted by federal regulators assessed impacts on everything from safety to water resources to air quality and wildlife. Their finding is a clear win for the region, business competitiveness, economic growth and job creation.”

The Department of Environmental Protection issued its Water Quality Certification as required by section 401 of the Federal Clean Water Act in February.

“Pipelines are the safest and most environmentally friendly way to move the energy on which we rely every single day to warm our homes, power our economy, and increasingly generate clean and reliable electricity,” added Tran. “New infrastructure like PennEast Pipeline is not only far better for our environment than relying on other less-clean fuels, but also for reducing electric and natural gas bills for families and businesses.

“Today’s Final EIS is a major step forward for the Project. We thank the FERC staff for its thorough review, input, and recognition that major infrastructure projects like the PennEast Pipeline can move ahead while protecting the environment, too,” said Tran. “We look forward to working with Pennsylvania and New Jersey permitting agencies in the coming months.”

The 120-mile Project is more than 90 percent subscribed under long-term contracts with local gas utilities, power generators and other energy customers.

A copy of the Final Environmental Impact Statement is available online.

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[Posted: April 7, 2017]

4/10/2017