America’s energy story – part 2

Some of the reason for pipeline opposition is that the US northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, both densely populated areas, are seeing the most construction activity of late. They are also the two regions most unfamiliar with pipelines. In addition, some Americans are increasingly concerned about climate change and believe that natural gas usage in inconsistent with lower greenhouse gas emissions.

But, total US greenhouse gas emission are down 11%. This decrease is due in part to the technical innovations related to natural gas, and technical innovation continues to drive down natural gas emissions and cost. Natural gas also is providing critical support to our renewable resources.

Others opponents to natural gas and pipelines are concerned that pipeline construction will harm their land or communities. But the US regulatory processes are rigorous to protect communities and the local environment.

INGAA member companies work with regulators to ensure that pipelines are designed and built safely, with quality materials and in ways that minimise the impact to the environment and the community. INGAA follows the comprehensive framework of federal, state and local regulation. It ensures that the construction practices focus on the safety of the public, its employees and contractors. The association employs qualified pipeline construction inspectors, and is seeking to ensure that, by the end of 2018, all construction inspectors have completed a specialty inspector certification programme. Moreover, INGAA inspects and tests all pipelines prior to service.

INGAA’s members also communicate with interested parties before, during and after construction. It works with the community and others to discuss options to protect cultural, historic and community resources, and gives the public opportunities to express their views and concerns. INGAA members have had a ‘Commitment to Landowners’ in place since 2008, under which it agrees to negotiate in good faith and train its representatives to interactive positively and productively with landowners and other stakeholders.

It also uses construction processes and technologies to minimise impacts to natural resources. INGAA members are committed to constructing and siting its pipeline facilities in an environmentally responsible manner designed to protect air, water, land and wildlife.

Natural gas will remain an important component in the US’ long-term energy strategy, and INGAA will continue to let Americans know that pipelines are what makes the benefits of natural gas possible.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/special-reports/28122017/americas-energy-story-part-2/