State lawmakers call for a detailed look at pipeline expansion, raise environmental concerns

A massive proposed expansion to the Transcontinental Gas Pipeline, which runs through parts of the Piedmont, has caught the attention of 14 North Carolina General Assembly members. 

They join thousands of concerned citizens and dozens of nonprofits in demanding scrutiny during the expansion’s federal application process.

The lawmakers signed a letter addressed to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the agency in charge of granting large energy infrastructure permits. 

In it, policymakers like Reps. Kanika Brown and Pricey Harrison, who represent Forsyth and Guilford counties respectively, called for the commission to take a detailed look at the proposed expansion.

They specifically asked for an environmental impact statement or EIS. It would take into account the environmental, public health and social effects of projects like the one proposed by Williams Companies, the owner of the pipeline.   

The elected officials cited concerns related to increased carbon emissions and how transporting and burning more methane gas could affect the residents living closest to the pipeline.  

While an EIS is usually produced during the permitting process, Williams is requesting an environmental assessment instead, which is not as detailed in considering the long-term impacts of a project.
 

Santiago Ochoa covers healthcare for WFDD in partnership with Report For America. Follow him on X and Instagram: @santi8a98