Zack Jones
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Sign our Project Support Petition
In December 2023, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved a three-year extension for Mountain Valley Pipeline to build a planned offshoot of its main natural gas pipeline - MVP Southgate - that would run from Pittsylvania County to North Carolina. Before construction on the extension can start, FERC needs to issue a notice to proceed after confirming the project has received all state and federal permits it needs. Two state permits, an air permit from Virginia and a water permit from North Carolina, are still outstanding.
Thousands of jobs are on the line with Southgate! Sign the below petition that we will submit to the appropriate decision makers during upcoming comment periods.
Dear [Official]:
I join Pipeliners Local 798 in urging FERC and other decision makers to approve Mountain Valley’s proposed Southgate Pipeline Project. This is an approximate $468 million investment in the economic and energy future of Virginia and North Carolina that will put local craftsmen to work, many of whom are highly-trained members of Local 798.
The Southgate Pipeline Project is critical to meet the substantial and growing need for natural gas in the region. PSNC Energy, a local distribution company serving central North Carolina, has already signed a long-term contract to receive natural gas from the pipeline in order to help serve its customers, including approximately 100,000 new natural gas customers it has added over the past decade. Delay in project approval would be particularly devastating to these customers.
I support the swift approval of Southgate due to the project’s following benefits:
- inject $68 million directly into Virginia and $113 million into North Carolina’s economy;
- support 570 jobs in Virginia and 1,130 jobs in North Carolina, many belonging to Local 798 members;
- generate $10.4 million in tax revenue across the two states during construction, and, once operational, it will generate an estimated $4.6 million across the project areas;
- help meet the growing need for natural gas in the region by transporting 375M cf/day to markets that need reliable energy; including the approximate 100,000 new natural gas customers served by PSNC Energy.
Safety and environmental integrity are central priorities at Local 798, which is why we do not offer support lightly. FERC staff stated that the project's potential adverse environmental impacts would be reduced to “less-than-significant levels" through implementation of its recommendations. The Pipeline Project team has demonstrated a commitment to this goal by making 191 route adjustments in response to feedback collected during the pre-filing process.
These alteration were made to protect streams, wetlands and cultural resources, as well as to minimize – or avoid – potential impacts to sensitive areas. Key changes included the reduction in the temporary right-of-way width at wetland and waterbody crossings, and a proposal based on recommendations from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to cross Cascade Creek, Wolf Island Creek and Deep Creek via conventional bore.
The pipeline will also be monitored 24 hours a day, 365 days a year using sophisticated computerized systems and around-the-clock personnel. This regular monitoring will ensure pipeline integrity.
This project will help make a reliable supply of natural gas available for residents in the region, create thousands of jobs for the local workforce and generate millions of dollars in tax revenue, all while respecting the environment. This is why I ask that you issue necessary approvals for the MVP Southgate Project without delay.
Signed,
[Names below]
*PLEASE NOTE: Local 798 submitted this comment below to FERC in September 2019 during its comment period for the Southgate Project's Environmental Impact Statement. We may submit your signature to state and federal regulatory bodies, as well as elected officials to support the project.
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Sign Our Petition Supporting Hydrogen Pipelines
Upgrading and modifying existing gas pipelines and midstream infrastructure to carry biofuels and low-carbon hydrogen would generate good jobs for our nation’s construction workforce and boost economic activity while supporting low-carbon goals.
Sign our petition below supporting hydrogen pipeline infrastructure and the jobs that these projects will provide to craftsmen across the country, including many Local 798 members.
As a forward-thinking supporter of a strong energy industry, I join Pipeliners Local 798 in support of utilizing existing infrastructure and developing new pipelines for the purpose of transporting renewable hydrogen.
By making lines hydrogen-capable, we can best prepare for a responsible energy future while helping to grow opportunities for industry craftsmen across the nation, many of whom are members of Pipeliners Local 798, a trades union representing the most highly trained, skilled and dedicated men and women in the energy industry.
The U.S. has a robust natural gas transportation and storage network – approximately three million miles of natural gas pipelines run throughout the nation – yet, these critical pipelines could become stranded assets within decades, as government leaders push towards aggressive carbon emission goals. This presents both a tremendous challenge and opportunity to utilize the existing pipeline network to also transport other clean-burning energy sources like renewable hydrogen.
While I believe that natural gas should play a vital role in our energy system for years to come, I recognize the growing urgency to invest in renewable energy sources. Modifying gas pipelines and midstream infrastructure to carry biofuels and low-carbon hydrogen is smart strategy, as these projects generate critical economic activity, support good jobs and ensure the delivery of reliable, clean energy to American homes and businesses.
I support investment in renewable hydrogen pipeline infrastructure for the following key reasons:
- Utilizing existing infrastructure for renewable hydrogen distribution supports good job opportunities for industry craftsmen and generates critical local and state economic activity;
- While renewables like solar and wind are limited by electrical grids, hydrogen can be efficiently transported by pipelines, which are built and maintained by a skilled workforce of pipefitters, welders and other craftsmen who depend on infrastructure projects to provide for their families;
- Hydrogen in distribution pipelines would help decarbonize industrial processes, supporting environmental goals.
Upgrading and modifying existing gas pipelines and midstream infrastructure to carry hydrogen would generate good jobs for our nation’s construction workforce and boost economic activity while supporting low-carbon goals. This is why I urge decision makers to join me in supporting these critical infrastructure projects.
Signed
[Signers below]
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Zack Jones signed Delta Lateral Project FERC Comment via Pipeliners Local 798 2021-12-13 13:04:50 -0600
Sign Our Comment to FERC
The Delta Lateral Project will expand natural gas capacity of Kern River Gas Transmission's existing transmission system in Utah while supporting good jobs for local craftsmen.
In December 2021, Local 798 submitted the below petition with 2,080 signatures to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regarding the project’s draft Environmental Impact Statement. In February 2022, FERC released the final DEIS. In anticipation of more public comment periods ahead, please sign this petition that we will submit to other regulators and decision makers in support of Delta Lateral.
Dear Secretary Bose:
I stand with Pipeliners Local 798 in support of Kern River Gas Transmission Company's Delta Lateral Project. This important project will enable Kern River to meet rising natural gas demands in the area and will support good jobs for local craftsmen, including Local 798 members.
In its draft EIS, FERC found the project’s environmental impacts would be reduced to “less-than-significant levels”due to the minimization and mitigation measures proposed by Kern River and recommended by the Commission. Project leaders remain committed to these mitigation efforts and continue to collaborate with stakeholders and environmental experts to develop the most responsible and efficient development plan. I see no reason to alter this review in the final EIS.
Overall, I support the Delta Lateral Project for the following reasons:
- Project leaders have consistently collaborated with stakeholders and environmental experts to ensure it meets or exceeds federal safety standards while developing the most efficient and responsible pipeline route;
- Delta Lateral is a critical part of the region’s energy infrastructure network and its carbon reduction strategy, as it is designed to provide firm transportation service for the Intermountain Power Project (IPP) in Utah, which is working towards installing gas-fired generating units capable of using hydrogen, and developing hydrogen production and long-term storage capabilities;
- Local 798 recognizes Kern River’s history of designing, constructing and operating safe and reliable pipeline systems. The company has demonstrated this same commitment with Delta Lateral.
Due to the reasons discussed above, I support the Delta Lateral Project and urge the swift approval of necessary permits.
Signed,
[Names below]
**Local 798 will submit this petition to state and federal regulators and other decision makers to support the Delta Lateral Project.**
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Sign Our Willow Project Support Petition
The Willow Master Development Plan Project (Willow Project) is a critical energy project in the North Slope of Alaska from ConocoPhillips that is expected to generate billions of dollars in local, state and federal revenue and support 2,000 construction jobs and 300 permanent jobs – many going to Local 798 members.
In March 2023, the Biden Administration approved the project - and a federal judge upheld the approval later that year. The project likely faces legal challenges, however, that would stall construction. Sign our petition below supporting this important project as it faces more milestones ahead.
I commend the Biden Administration for showing its support for the Willow Master Development Plan Project (Willow Project), and I urge state and federal decision makers to follow suit to ensure swift approval of this critical project that will generate much-needed economic activity in Alaska, supply affordable, domestic energy and create good-paying jobs for the area workforce.
The project’s approval comes after years of analysis, significant public input, completion of the environmental impact statement (EIS) and biological opinion (BiOp) and consultation with cooperating agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Throughout every stage, the Willow Project has demonstrated its commitment to transparency, public involvement and environmental safety. The comment period for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Supplement Draft EIS, for example, generated more than 31,000 submissions during comment periods and influenced ConocoPhillips to amend its application to modify its project design, including a change to incorporate a new module delivery option. In the end, the project’s final EIS, which consists of seven volumes and over 3,6000 pages, took more than two years and some six million dollars to draft, evaluate and finalize.
Project development would generate thousands of jobs for area craftsmen and produce substantial revenue for the federal government, State of Alaska, North Slope Borough and communities in the NPR-A.
I support the Willow Project due to the following key benefits:
- The infrastructure will generate a potential $10 billion dollars in federal, state and local economic activity over its lifetime;
- Project construction is expected to support 2,000 jobs, and operation will require approximately 300 permanent jobs, many of which will go to Local 798 members;
- The project is designed to produce approximately 586 million barrels of oil over its lifetime, including up to 160,000 barrels a day, helping to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil;
- The project has undergone rigorous review of potential environmental and ecological impacts. The Army Corps, in particular, found the Willow Project would “not cause significant” negative impacts.
The Biden Administration took the right step with its court filing in support of the Willow Project, and I urge other decision makers to issue necessary permits in a timely manner.
Signed,
[Names below]
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Pledge To Be An Energy Voter
With the right leadership and vision, we can ensure all Americans benefit from our nation’s emergence as an energy leader. It’s time to fulfill our bright energy future; it’s time to vote for candidates that support Local 798 jobs and the work that we do.
Join Local 798 by signing the petition and becoming an Energy Voter.
I understand the urgent need for clean, affordable and domestically sourced energy in my community, across my state and in throughout the nation. That is why I stand with political candidates and elected officials who show their support for an energy pipeline network that will safely and efficiently transport the nation’s abundant supply of domestic natural gas and oil supplies.
America is leading the world in oil and natural gas production. Working together, we can do even more. Producing, refining and transporting more domestic oil and natural gas will mean more abundant energy – and that means more affordable energy for American families and businesses.
We know there is enough potential domestic energy to serve all residential, business and industrial needs across the country. Yet, support for critical energy infrastructure is lacking among our political leaders.
To support my livelihood, my family and my community, I will enter the voting booth informed about how political leaders stand on the issue of energy infrastructure development. I will do my part to help elect leaders who recognize the tremendous benefits of and need to grow our energy transportation network and who support the union workforce that will build it.
Sincerely,
American Energy Industry Supporter
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Support Texas Pipeliners
The Permian Global Access Pipeline (PGAP) is expected to submit the 7(c) Natural Gas Certificate Application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) this year. The project was proposed in 2017 as part of Tellurian LNG's strategy to form a $7 billion pipeline network, along with the proposed Driftwood Liquified Natural Gas Terminal in Louisiana, supporting 15 thousand jobs in Texas and Louisiana.
Help secure jobs for local pipeliners! Sign the below petition that we will submit to FERC and other decision makers at the appropriate time.
I support the Permian Global Access Pipeline (PGAP), a critical investment in the Texas and Louisiana natural gas infrastructure network that will provide good jobs for Local 798 members and increase regional access to reliable, domestically sourced energy.
Once in service, the project will be an integral part of the proposed Tellurian Pipeline Network, which represents a $7 billion investment in the region's economic and energy future, including the creation of approximately 15 thousand jobs in Texas and Louisiana. Many of these jobs belong to the hard-working members of Local 798, a trades union representing some of the nation’s most skilled and dedicated craftsmen.
I support the Permian Global Access Pipeline for the following key reasons:
- the project team is incorporating all the most current federal standards into the design and operations of the pipeline, and in many instances, these standards will be exceeded to ensure the safest and most reliable system;
- the pipeline will be monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to ensure ongoing safety;
- once in service, PGAP will help meet the region's growing energy demands, as it is designed to transmit 2 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day from West Texas to the Lake Charles area by late 2023 or early 2024;
- as part of the Tellurian Pipeline Network, PGAP will contribute to billions of dollars in state and local tax revenue, as well as an estimated 15 thousand jobs for regional construction workers.
Due to the reasons listed above, I urge the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and other regulatory agencies to issue necessary permits for this critical project without delay.
Signed,
Permian Global Access Pipeline Supporter
Zack Jones 517sc