The Atlantic Coast Pipeline has been canceled amid economic uncertainty following years of controversy. Since 2014, the 600-mile natural gas pipeline that would have crossed eastern North Carolina has sparked debate on its environmental and economic impact.
Methane, Fracked Gas & Climate
Methane (the main component in natural gas) is 100 times as bad for the climate as carbon dioxide over the short term. Less CO2 is emitted by natural gas than by coal when burned. But significant leakage of methane before burning makes gas a disaster for the climate, as revealed even more by recent science. Yet utilities and the gas industry are still feverishly promoting fracked gas.
NC WARN is working hard to connect the dots between climate change, methane leakage and the fracking boom that is driven by demand from the electric power industry.
Learn more about our methane work here.
Watch a 3-minute video by Cornell University’s Dr. Robert Howarth describing why natural gas is a disastrous strategy for the climate. More videos, PowerPoints and documentation here.
“Everything You Need to Know About Methane”, a primer by Earthjustice.
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Atlantic Coast Pipeline’s demise won’t halt natural gas — The Enterprise
The proposed natural gas pipeline through eastern North Carolina is dead. Long live natural gas! Admittedly, there won’t be a coronation ceremony like there would be if a living monarch were replacing a deceased one.But when it comes to reliable, affordable and environmentally friendly ways to power a 21st-century economy, natural gas is still king. Its reign will continue for many decades, despite the successful effort by left-wing activists to litigate the Atlantic Coast Pipeline to death.
Is proposed pipeline through Triad in trouble? — Winston-Salem Journal
Critics of a proposed natural gas pipeline through the Triad’s eastern perimeter say it could meet an end similar to the recently scrapped Atlantic Coast Pipeline. The same economic and societal forces that doomed the so-called ACP could affect the proposed MVP Southgate pipeline in Rockingham and Alamance counties, they believe.
Dominion and Duke Energy Abandon Atlantic Coast Pipeline — The Grey Area News
“We hope the cancellation of the ACP will soon be followed by a move by both of these corporations to stop building gas-fired generation, and to begin replacing all existing coal and gas-fired power with the cheaper, more reliable approach: renewables matched with storage and energy-saving and balancing programs.”
Duke, Dominion Cancel Contested Atlantic Coast Pipeline — NPR
Jim Warren of NC WARN – a frequent Duke critic – said he hopes the two big utilities also will stop building gas-fired power plants and speed up adoption of solar and wind energy and battery storage.
Cancellation of ACP costs Robeson County Revenue, Jobs — The Robesonian
“Jubilation!” said Jim Warren, NC WARN executive director. “We hope the cancellation of the Atlantic Coast fracked gas pipeline will soon be followed by a move by both of these corporations to stop building gas-fired generation, and to begin replacing all existing coal and gas-fired power with the cheaper, more reliable approach: renewables matched with storage and energy-saving and balancing programs.”
How Anti-Pipeline Protesters Made the Fossil Fuel Industry Face Economic Reality — New Republic
Subtle market tweaks can do some good to decarbonize the energy system, but for keeping fossil fuels in the ground and preventing new infrastructure, the simpler solution may just be to give ’em hell.
The death of a pipeline — NC Policy Watch
“We hope the cancellation of the ACP will soon be followed by a move by both of these corporations to stop building gas-fired generation, and to begin replacing all existing coal and gas-fired power with the cheaper, more reliable approach: renewables matched with storage and energy-saving and balancing programs.” -Jim Warren
Self-inflicted wounds, lost economic development: What’s next for Duke Energy after the Atlantic Coast Pipeline’s demise — Charlotte Business Journal
Environmental groups cheered, some public officials expressed regret while others appear ready to simply move on as Duke Energy Corp. announced it and Dominion Energy Inc. have given up on the $8 billion Atlantic Coast Pipeline.
Statement on ACP Cancellation by Duke, Dominion — News Release from NC WARN
Jubilation! We hope the cancellation of the $8 billion Atlantic Coast fracked gas pipeline will soon be followed by a move by both of these corporations to stop building gas-fired generation, and to begin replacing all existing coal- and gas-fired power with the cheaper, more reliable approach: renewables matched with storage and energy-saving and balancing programs.