Black Schroeder
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Sign Our Letter to President Trump
On January 20, President Donald J. Trump will be sworn into his second term in office, ushering in what is expected to be an administration concerned with America controlling its energy future. Our members stand among all the nation's industry craftsmen who are ready to work with his administration and with other leaders to secure good jobs, build safe pipeline infrastructure and secure access to domestically sourced energy.
Help us send a message of solidarity in support of America-first energy policy. Sign our letter below that we will submit to President Trump during the early weeks of his second term.
Dear President Trump:
It is with great optimism that we welcome you back into the office of the presidency. Every American who is concerned about our economic future should prioritize a strong domestic energy industry, an industry that supports nearly 11 million American jobs and whose strength or weakness directly impacts the national economy. We stand together in support of your continued advocacy to invest in infrastructure, to advocate for permitting reform and to get American pipeliners – many of whom are members of Pipeliners Local 798 – to work on good jobs that can help provide for their families.
Our members see first-hand the tremendous benefits pipeline projects provide local workforces, business owners and residents, in addition to all Americans who enjoy access to domestically sourced and affordable oil and gas and their many by-products. That is why our members work tirelessly to make sure that certain projects receive support and advocacy throughout permitting processes.
This advocacy is often accomplished through the American Pipeline Action Network, an online digital tool that Local 798 launched in 2017. Using this tool, our members have mobilized tens of thousands of industry advocates to sign petitions, contact elected officials and regulators and take other actions to support infrastructure projects and to influence legislation.
Mr. President, you understand that skilled tradesmen across this country depend on the jobs that infrastructure projects create. Local 798, in particular, claims generations of experience constructing quality infrastructure that connects communities to critical energy resources. These projects include Enbridge's Line 3 Replacement Project, the Mountain Valley Pipeline and Nexus Pipeline, among numerous others.
We look forward to opportunities through your administration’s America-first energy policy to help construct safe, efficient and environmentally responsible energy infrastructure connecting our nation’s resources with communities across the country. Let’s get to work.
Signed,
[Names below]
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Sign Our Petition
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is requesting comments on the scope of issues and environmental impacts for the proposed DeLa Express Project. The project is a multi-billion dollar investment that includes a nearly 700-mile long pipeline running from the Delaware side of the Permian Basin to Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, as well as eight compressor stations.
We submitted the below comment with nearly 900 signatures to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) before the comment period ended on September 23, 2024. Any signatures collected after this time may be included in future submissions.
Secretary Debbie-Anne A. Reese
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
888 First Street, NW
Washington, DC 20426Docket No. PF24-4-000; Scoping Period Comments on Environmental Issues for the Planned DeLa Express Project.
Dear Secretary:
I stand with Pipeliners Local 798 in wanting to support the DeLa Express Project, a potentially impactful investment in our southern natural gas infrastructure network. My support is contingent on project developers demonstrating a commitment to building and operating this pipeline and associated compressor stations in such a way that respects landowners’ rights, supports good jobs for the area Union workforce and flows positive economic activity through local communities.
This project is anticipated to create more than 5,300 good-paying jobs - including approximately 380 full-time jobs - and generate significant revenue for area business and services. Once placed into service, the system will help address the pipeline constraints that currently hamper the region. All this is good reason to be excited about DeLa Express. But the support from Pipeliners Local 798 does not come blindly. This Local represents the nation's most highly-trained, dedicated and experienced craftsmen, and their members expect project developers operate with the same integrity and commitment that they do.
I am proud to share my name as a supporter of the DeLa Express Project if the following commitments are fulfilled:
- Work with landowners to ensure their property is respected. The company has already begun this process through comprehensive analysis of strategies to avoid sensitive environmental resources and otherwise congested areas by conducting desktop analysis and deploying field surveys. It is also promising to know that approximately 84% of the pipeline route is collated with or parallel to existing utility rights-of-way.
- Ensure that project benefits - including job opportunities, tax revenue and associated activity - are distributed as much as possible to local economies. I understand that the gas that travels through this pipeline will be exported to overseas markets, which means the regional project benefits are limited to economic. This still has the potential of being incredibly powerful, considering approximately 5,300 jobs are expected and significant tax revenue will come. I especially hope developers take this opportunity to invest in the local workforce so these aren't simply short-lived jobs for a handful of local craftsmen and mostly outsourced workers. Those who live and work in their own community are more prone to give back, to invest and to support small businesses in that community.
- Provide opportunities for full-time, long-term employment for local craftsmen. Speaking again to the point directly above, the men and women in Local 798, in particular, depend on this sort of project work to provide for their families and plan for their own self-sufficient retirement rather than depend on tax-funded social programs. High quality work comes with a cost, but that is a worthy investment to ensure DeLa Express is built and operated in the safest and more efficient manner possible.
The DeLa Express Project represents a multi-billion dollar investment into our nation's energy infrastructure network, with the potential of providing long-term tax revenue and good jobs that benefit American workers and their families. In order to optimize these benefits, it's important that project developers commit to the goals discussed above that prioritize landowner rights, economic prosperity in local communities and job security for the skilled tradesmen.
[signed below]
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Black Schroeder signed Energy Permitting Reform Act Letter via Justin Wallace 2024-08-29 08:14:06 -0500
Sign Our Letter to Legislators
In July 2024, the US Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee received strong bipartisan support for the Energy Permitting Reform Act (EPRA) of 2024, sponsored by Chairman Joe Manchin (I-WV) and Ranking Member John Barrasso (R-WY). This legislation, which will narrow the scope of review and streamline the approval process for infrastructure projects, advanced out of committee fewer than two weeks after it was introduced because lawmakers recognized how it is poised to play a critical role in supporting robust domestic energy development across the country - and ensuring good opportunities for our members.
We submitted the letter below with more than 2,300 signatures to congressional leadership in November 2024 supporting this critical bill. We will continue to collect signatures in anticipation of legislative discussions in the coming year.
RE: Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024
Dear [Official]:
I stand with Pipeliners Local 798, a trades union representing the nation’s most skilled and dedicated industry craftsmen, in supporting Chairman Joe Manchin and Ranking Member John Barrasso's sponsored Energy Permitting Reform Act (EPRA) of 2024. This legislation, which has already received strong bipartisan support, provides much-needed transparency and efficiency to a permitting system that has long been dogged with unnecessary and costly red tape.
As we have seen too many times, delays in infrastructure permitting increases costs, threatens jobs and halts critical economic activity in our communities. To be more specific, the current system's inefficiencies have costed billions of dollars in investments and tens of thousands of U.S. jobs - many of which belong to the men and women of the United Association who have played a central role in building America's infrastructure network.
I support the common-sense provisions outlined in the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024 for the following specific reasons:
- Accelerates leasing and permitting decisions for energy projects on federal lands, helping to eliminate duplicative permit requirements and avoid long delays on critical project approvals;
- Requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to issue a rule on interregional transmission planning and cost allocation within 180 days of a bill's enactment, ensuring the review process remains focused on the details that move project approval forward;
- Helps to ensure that consistent domestic offshore energy development continues in the coming years by mandating lease sales for both traditional and renewable energy development;
- By making FERC the lead agency for conducting environmental reviews of transmission projects that are subject to the National Environmental Policy Act, this simplifies the backstop authority and streamlines otherwise stuttering approvals;
- Helps accelerate the benefits of nearly $2 trillion provided by Congress for investments in infrastructure and clean energy, ultimately supporting sustainable energy infrastructure development and maintenance.
On behalf of all industry craftsmen who have struggled to make a living while waiting for construction approvals for infrastructure projects, I am proud to support the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024. I understand there is much more work to be done to address the incredible constraints facing pipeline infrastructure, but this legislation is certainly a significant step in that direction. This is why I urge you and your colleagues to lend support to push this forward.
Signed,
[Names below]
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Sign Our Petition to the Army Corps
In November 2024, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources approved permits for Enbridge's Line 5 Straits Tunnel Project in the state. The project still needs another key permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - expected to issue its Environmental Impact Statement in 2025. Local 798 members are supportive of a comprehensive permitting process that ensures opportunity for review and comment, and we are hopeful that our regulators will find no reason to extend the timeline on this project's already thorough environmental impact analysis.
Join us in sending a message to the Army Corps in support of a swift review so construction can finally move forward!
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
St. Paul District, Regulatory Division
332 Minnesota Street, Suite E1500
St. Paul, MN 55101Reference No. MVP-2020-00260-WMS; Application submitted pursuant to Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbor Act of 1899 and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act
Dear Secretary:
I stand with Pipeliners Local 798 in supporting Enbridge's Line 5 Relocation Project's repositioning of its route outside the Bad River Indian Reservation. Enbridge has already repeatedly demonstrated a commitment to maintaining the highest level of safety and environmental responsibility throughout its permitting process for the project, including providing extensive opportunities for review and comment.
Below are just a few specific reasons why I believe the Line 5 Relocation Project deserves approval from the Army Corps and other decision makers:
- Enbridge has never wavered from its transparent decision making process, consistently involving community leaders and stakeholders in discussions regarding the project route and operation plans. To this end, Enbridge reached community easement agreements following thorough discussions with landowners along the proposed new Line 5 route outside the Bad River Reservation in Wisconsin;
- The project includes a route specifically designed to avoid culturally sensitive areas, such as Copper Falls State Park;
- While developing the Relocation Project, Enbridge specifically studied potential erosion risks and is planning stringent mitigation measures;
- The Line 5 Relocation Project will create good jobs for the local workforce, many of whom include Local 798 members - the most highly trained and dedicated pipeliners in the nation.
The company has continued to work closely with landowners, tribal leaders and safety experts to ensure the safest and most efficient pipeline operation. This consideration of best practices is what led Enbridge to plan the Relocation Project from the beginning. All of these above reasons highlight why I request that the Army Corps approves necessary permits for this project without any delay.
Signed,
[Names Below]
**Local 798 may submit this petition to state and federal regulators and other decision makers to support Line 5. Earlier this summer, in just under two weeks, our members collected more than 1,500 signatures on the below comment that we submitted on July 5 to the Army Corps before the comment period was originally slated to end on the EA. You can view this submission at this link. In the weeks that followed, we collected several hundred more signatures to submit before the extended comment period concluded on August 30. Any signature collected after 5:00 am CDT on August 30 may be included in future submissions to support this project.**
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Support the T15 Reliability Project
Dominion Energy North Carolina (DENC) is planning a 45-mile natural gas pipeline in North Carolina called the T15 Reliability Project. Once complete, it will connect the pending MVP Southgate Project with Duke Energy’s planned new natural gas power plants in Roxboro. DENC's initiative will put area pipeliners to work, help meet rising energy demand in the region and generate new economic activity, specifically across Person, Caswell, and Rockingham counties.
Sign our petition below that we will submit to decision makers during the permitting process.
Dear [Official]:
I am adding my name to this petition to support Dominion Energy North Carolina's T15 Reliability Project. This is a significant investment in the state's natural gas infrastructure network, connecting MVP Southgate, which will inject $113 million in North Carolina's economy and create more than 1,000 jobs in that state alone, with Duke Energy Corporation’s planned new natural gas power plants that are set to replace the existing coal-fired plant in Roxboro. All of this planned activity will help meet rising demand for cleaner energy while maintaining the safety and integrity of DENC's pipeline system.
A key reason why I support this project is the commitment that Dominion Energy has demonstrated to safety and quality on its pipelines by consistently hiring a Union workforce. I know this project will get done the right way with no shortcuts and no sacrifices on quality of the line or safety of workers or surrounding environment.
Below are just a few reasons why I'm adding my name in support of this project:
- DENC has maintained construction and operating policies and procedures for the T15 Reliability Project that adhere to state and federal safety requirements, providing specific directions in inspection, testing, operation, preventive maintenance, repair and vigilant patrols of facilities, giving the workforce and community members peace knowing quality and safety is top of mind;
- Pipeliners Local 798, a trades union that represents the nation’s best industry craftsmen, claims thousands of members in the region who depend on infrastructure projects such as this to provide for their families. Permitting delays could be devastating to these workers;
- Investment in new infrastructure such as this project will ensure continued economic growth, job security and critical tax generation for communities surrounding the project route. This is in addition to the lowered energy costs for families and small business owners in North Carolina.
The T15 Reliability Project will generate opportunities to put local men and women to work while helping Americans in the region gain access to affordable, domestically-produced energy. This is why I urge decision makers to approve necessary permits for this project without unwarranted delays.
Signed,
**By signing this petition, I agree to share my name on Pipeliners Local 798's submission(s) to federal and state decision makers in support of the T15 Reliability Project.**
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Sign Our Petition to FERC
In October 2024, Williams Companies filed an application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for the Southeast Supply Enhancement Project, a substantial expansion of the existing Transco pipeline’s system.
Nearly 2,400 advocates signed our petition below that we submitted to FERC on June 6, 2024 to support this project during its public scoping comment period. We will continue to collect signatures in anticipation of upcoming comment periods with our federal and state regulators. Be sure to add your name!
Dear [Official]:
I stand with Pipeliners Local 798 in support of the Southeast Supply Enhancement project, a critical expansion of the natural gas infrastructure network in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama, and the first large-scale takeaway expansion to be announced in the area since the long-delayed Mountain Valley Pipeline.
This system enhancement will help meet skyrocketing demands for affordable, reliable energy by moving more than 1.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day to its delivery network, a significant capacity increase that will be enough to power five or six new large, combined cycle plants and will ultimately move this domestically sourced gas to millions of American homes and businesses.
Williams has long demonstrated its commitment to ensure thorough consultation and cooperation with state, local and federal regulatory agencies, as well as community stakeholders throughout the permitting process. This is of particular importance for large scale projects such as this and it includes working with community members and industry experts to identify potential environmental issues or concerns and then to potentially modify the project design to further minimize possible impacts.
Below are just a few specific reasons why I support this project:
- The expansion will add enough natural gas pipeline capacity to meet the needs of 8.6 million homes, enabling Transco to address the growing natural gas-fired power generation, commercial, residential and industrial demand in the mid-Atlantic and southeast United States.
- The increase in pipeline capacity will encourage southern utilities to build new gas plants, opening the region to a generational investment in natural gas while strengthening grid reliability and driving down energy costs at a time when many families are struggling to handle their monthly bills.
- More urgently, the project will create good jobs for skilled industry craftsmen in the region, many of whom are long-time members of Pipeliners Local 798, as well as provide an economic boost to communities along the route.
The Southeast Supply Enhancement Project is poised to be a critical component of the region's energy infrastructure network – supporting good jobs, increasing access to domestically sourced natural gas and generating needed economic benefits. This is why I urge FERC and other agencies to issue necessary permits to ensure it remains on schedule.
Signed,
**By signing this petition, I agree to share my name on Pipeliners Local 798's submission(s) to federal and state decision makers in support of the Southeast Supply Enhancement project.**
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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 Comment
Over the course of two weeks in September, we prepared submissions - with more than 2,300 comments - to the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) and Iowa Utilities Board (IUB), as they accepted public comments on permits for the Mt. Simon Hub project, a pipeline proposed by Wolf Carbon Solutions and Archer Daniels Midland Company that will stretch from eastern Iowa into Illinois. Specifically, the project is seeking from the Illinois Commerce Commission a "Certificate of Authority to Construct and Operate a Carbon Dioxide Pipeline and when Necessary to take Interests in Property as Provided by the Law of Eminent Domain"; and from the Iowa Utilities Board a Hazardous Liquid Pipeline permit.
Thank you to all who signed our comment for submission! If you signed after September 21, we may include your name in future submissions to state and federal regulators to support this project.
Dear Secretary:
On behalf of United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada (UA) and our more than 300,000 members, I want to express our continued support for the Mt. Simon Hub and encourage a thorough review and timely approval of this important project. We believe that Wolf Carbon Solutions’ Mt. Simon Hub will be integral to job creation, environmental improvement and long-term economic growth of our region.
As a proud UA member, I am excited at the prospect of playing a central role in making this project a reality. With the potential to create more than 2,700 construction jobs, generate over $478 million in wages and salaries and to contribute upwards of $75 million in state and local taxes for our state, the Mt. Simon Hub presents an extraordinary economic opportunity both for our union members and Illinois and Iowa overall.
The hardworking men and women of the UA will bring their extensive construction experience to bear to ensure that the Mt. Simon Hub is built to rigorous specifications and in compliance with strict federal and state standards. At the UA, we adhere to our Standard of Excellence in every project we work on. This Standard is made up of three pillars: safety, quality and productivity, each of which are essential to making our laborers the best-trained and highly-skilled in the world. Furthermore, we boast a five-year apprenticeship program that was the first nationally registered program recognized by the Department of Labor in the United States.
With the possibility of major economic and environmental benefits, my fellow union members and I are excited by the opportunity that the Mt. Simon Hub presents, and we urge you to approve Wolf Carbon Solutions’ application. Thank you for your consideration.
Signed,
**By signing this petition, I agree to share my name on Pipeliners Local 798's submission to the Illinois Commerce Commission (RE: Docket No. 23-0475) and to the Iowa Utilities Board (Docket No. HLP-2022-0002)**
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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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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
Black Schroeder 4441sc