Poll: Majority of Virginians Support Mountain Valley Pipeline
A recent survey conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research shows a strong majority of Virginians support the proposed Mountain Valley Pipeline project. The statewide survey of voters’ views on important policy issues and candidates for public office was conducted between Jan. 5 and Jan. 10, 2017.
Among all respondents, 62 percent said they support the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP). Respondents in the Roanoke and Southwest Virginia region showed the strongest support for the project, with 74 percent of Roanoke area respondents supporting the pipeline. The project has earned a broad base of support from private citizens, business groups and elected officials, including the governors of Virginia and West Virginia.
“These survey results reflect the importance of this project to the state and region,” said Shawn Posey, senior vice president, MVP construction and engineering, according to a Jan. 25 statement. “The transportation capacity for MVP is already fully subscribed, which reflects the market’s recognition of the need for low-cost, reliable natural gas.”
RELATED: Mountain Valley Project Issued FERC Draft Environmental Statement
The Mountain Valley Pipeline is a proposed underground, interstate natural gas pipeline system that spans approximately 303 miles from northwestern West Virginia to southern Virginia. Subject to approval and regulatory oversight by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the pipeline will be constructed and owned by Mountain Valley Pipeline LLC, a joint venture of EQT Midstream Partners LP, NextEra US Gas Assets LLC, Con Edison Transmission Inc., WGL Midstream and RGC Midstream LLC.
The MVP was designed to transport clean-burning natural gas from the prolific Marcellus and Utica shale regions to the growing demand markets in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast areas of the United States. Targeting a full in-service of late 2018, EQT Midstream Partners, primary interest owner, will operate the pipeline.
“These findings are reassuring that the vast majority of Virginians recognize that natural gas is clean, affordable, and abundant here in the U.S., and we need infrastructure like the Mountain Valley Pipeline to promote energy independence, create jobs and generate tax revenue,” said Chris Saxman, executive director of Virginia FREE.
For details on the portion of the survey and results pertaining to Mountain Valley Pipeline: http://mason-dixon.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/VA1-17-MtValley-Gas-Pipeline-Results3.pdf
“Demand for natural gas continues to grow, and the Mountain Valley Pipeline is an infrastructure project that is essential to meeting the needs of residents and employers across the Roanoke Valley,” said John D’Orazio, president and CEO of Roanoke Gas Co. “Pipelines are the safest way to move natural gas, and our plan to install taps on the MVP line in Montgomery and Franklin counties will bring lasting, positive economic benefits to our community.”
FERC is currently reviewing the project’s application. In September, the commision issued the draft environmental impact statement for the project, and the commission is currently working to develop the final environmental impact statement.
“The Mountain Valley Pipeline is important for our future and these survey results indicate that most people agree,” said Joyce Waugh, president and CEO of the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce. “The MVP project’s construction will provide an immediate economic boost by creating thousands of jobs. In the longer term, the increased access to affordable, clean natural gas will help to position our region to recruit and retain employers.”
For details on the portion of the survey and results pertaining to the 2017 Virginia gubernatorial race: http://mason-dixon.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/VA-1-17-Part-1.pdf
Since 1983, Mason-Dixon Polling & Research Inc. has conducted surveys in every state in the country, on almost every public issue, and tracked every major election and referendum. During this time, Mason-Dixon has earned the reputation as the most credible and accurate independent polling firm in the nation.
Tags: EQT Midstream Partners, Mountain Valley Pipeline LLC
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