In fact, if it wasn’t for pipelines already in existence, Virginia would have a tough time meeting its energy needs since the Commonwealth is a net importer of natural gas. Thousands of miles of pipeline already run safely through Virginia and under our communities throughout the country. Including both onshore and offshore lines, there are more and 300,000 miles of interstate and intrastate transmission pipelines and 2.5 million miles of distribution pipelines already in place which deliver natural gas service to 177 million Americans.

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Natural gas is leading the way to provide that energy due in part to the fact it has the smallest physical footprint of all other energy sources and it also provides both affordable and reliable energy. All operators of natural gas pipelines are required to follow the federal pipeline safety code that falls under the enforcement of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). Pipeline safety regulations apply to all pipelines in the United States.The gas industry nationwide spends billions of dollars each year to ensure the safety and reliability of natural gas infrastructure. Natural gas utilities are subject not only to their stringent internal controls, according to the American Gas Association, but they must also meet rigorous federal and state oversight with inspections performed regularly by state regulators to ensure compliance is met.Virginia currently has several pipeline projects in the approval process, including the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP) and the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP). These pipeline projects, once operational, will provide the fuel needed by natural gas power plants to in turn provide energy to thousands of Virginia homes and businesses, as well as to existing and/or new manufacturers.Much of the U.S. electrical  system predates the turn of the 21st century. The American  Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) noted that the electrical grid is currently running at full capacity across most of the country, and that with increased power generation needed from natural gas, greater attention needs to be paid to increase in demand. Without replacing and upgrading infrastructure, Americans will likely face longer and more frequent power interruptions.Matt Yonka, president of the Virginia State Building & Construction Trades Council, noted not only will new pipelines bring the fuel to provide clean electricity and home heating to millions of citizens, but at the same time, he said the projects will put thousands of Virginians to work.“By connecting our region to the most affordable and abundant supply of domestic energy in our nation, the pipeline will lower energy bills for all Virginians and fuel the resurgence of Virginia Manufacturing,” Yonka said previously of the ACP project. “Construction of the pipeline is estimated to generate nearly 8,800 jobs in Virginia. There would be a highly trained, experienced and skilled labor force working on this project – pipefitters, welders, industrial equipment operators who have built thousands of projects like this, all of which have been built safely.”Projected pipeline economic benefits include more than $17 million paid in taxes annually; hundreds of millions in Virginia infrastructure development costs (equipment, material, labor and services); and thousands of new permanent jobs due to both operational and expected growth in manufacturing and industry sectors due to increased availability of a reliable and affordable energy source.Pipeline operators take proactive steps to ensure that health, safety, security and environmental concerns are addressed at all stages, including in the planning, construction and operational phases of any pipeline installation and operation. Pipeline companies fund millions of dollars worth of research into new facility inspection technologies and spend millions of dollars on pipeline and public safety initiatives each year. Significant dollars are spent on corrosion inspection technology and in engaging the general public and landowners to help them understand the importance of pipeline safety and protecting pipeline facilities from third-party damages through the use of the 811 “Call Before You Dig” law.