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Mazzeo Throws Support Behind BL England Natural Gas Pipeline Proposal

Project Would Create, Protect Jobs in South Jersey; Improve Energy Reliability for South Eastern New Jersey Residents


(NORTHFIELD) — Assemblyman Vincent Mazzeo on Thursday added his voice to a growing number of South Jersey legislators in support of a proposal to build a new natural gas pipeline that will bring jobs and improved energy reliability to Atlantic County and the rest of South Eastern New Jersey.

Mazzeo (D-Atlantic) issued the following statement:

“From an economic, emergency preparedness and environmental impact perspective, the planned BL England pipeline project just makes sense.

“It makes economic sense because the project would create 75 to 100 full-time jobs while the pipeline is under construction. And, unless the BL England pipeline is completed and the plant is successfully converted from coal generation to natural gas, it will be forced to close, which would unnecessarily put hard working folks from our region on the unemployment lines. Equally economically damaging, removing an existing source of energy generation will result in higher electric prices for our residents and businesses and stifle any economic development progress we strive to make.

“It makes emergency preparedness sense because, in the wake of catastrophic events like Superstorm Sandy, South Jersey residents shouldn’t have to rely on a single natural gas pipeline to provide them with an essential service like heat for their homes. The BLE pipeline would improve the region’s energy reliability and redundancy so that we are not in danger of going weeks or months without service if the existing pipeline is damaged or destroyed by extreme weather or a natural disaster.

“And finally, it makes environmental sense because the pipeline would allow the BL England plant to transition from burning coal to burning natural gas, which will improve air quality in the region and eliminate coal ash waste disposal. Additionally, the proposed route for the project takes advantage of existing roadways and cleared areas, allowing it to have a minimal negative impact on sensitive open space.”