Regarding “Debate rages as Atlantic Coast pipeline nears construction” (July 24): The Atlantic Coast Pipeline is misguided. North Carolina should encourage clean, sustainable forms of energy like wind and solar farms. Jobs in the clean-energy sector will persist as that industry grows. Pipeline construction jobs will evaporate when construction is completed.
The ACP is dangerous. It will carry fracked methane, a climate pollutant 100 times worse than CO2. Pipeline equipment leaks and is deliberately vented. These releases of methane into the environment pose risks to climate, ground water, wetlands and people.
The ACP is unnecessary. It is said that the Marcellus Shale’s gas is running out. So an expensive, dangerous pipeline to burn fuel that hurts chances of surviving on the planet is being built. And that supply may soon run dry? That makes no sense. Duke Energy supports the ACP because its rate model is based on construction of gas-fired plants. The plants benefit shareholders, not Duke’s customers. Building the ACP is not what we should be doing to preserve our children and grandchildren’s chances for a livable planet.
Vickie Atkinson
Chapel Hill
