The first gathering of landowners along the route of the Mariner East Pipelines took place on November 7th in Carlisle, PA. The Mariner East Organizers Summit, a joint effort between Clean Air Council and Mountain Watershed Association, brought together 60 people from 14 counties to discuss legal and organizing tactics used to challenge the proposed pipelines. In total, Sunoco Logistics, L.P. is planning to build two parallel 350 mile pipelines called Mariner East Pipeline 2 and 3.
The pipelines will carry natural gas liquids to Marcus Hook, an export terminal in Delaware County where the product will be shipped overseas. Dismaying many, Sunoco has been using the threat of eminent domain in order to secure easements from landowners who are reluctant to allow the pipelines to cross their private property. To assert eminent domain, Sunoco has attempted to argue that they are a public utility corporation and are regulated as such by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC). MWA vehemently disagrees with this position as we see this project as one largely dominated by private gain and not service to Pennsylvanians. Their public utility status and ability to use eminent domain are currently being challenged in court. Read more about this legal challenge by our friends at Clean Air Council here.
If you are a concerned landowner living along the route of the proposed Mariner East Pipeline in Westmoreland, Washington, or Allegheny County, please contact me at Stephanie@mtwatershed.com or by calling (724)455-4200 ext.5# for more information.