Yesterday, the NC Chamber joined a coalition of more than 100 businesses, labor organizations and other groups from across three states to announce the launch of EnergySure (Standing Up for Reliable Energy), a diverse alliance united by mutual support for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. This proposed 550-mile pipeline would enhance the reliable delivery of low-cost natural gas supplies to portions of eastern North Carolina with historically-high energy rates. Founding members of EnergySure represent millions of employees and associates across North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia, and their diversity of background demonstrates the broad-based support for this vital source of affordable energy for our fast-growing region.

In North Carolina alone, construction is estimated to support more than 4,400 jobs and create $680.2 million in economic activity. And once operational, the Atlantic Coast Pipeline would save consumers and businesses in Virginia and North Carolina about $377 million annually in lower energy costs, according to a study conducted by ICF International. The development of an additional natural gas pipeline in our state will help us avoid the extreme energy price spikes experienced during last year’s polar vortex, a problem resulting not from supply shortages but from a lack of infrastructure capacity.

The Atlantic Coast Pipeline would provide our state with an important engine for job creation over the next decade and serve as a game-changer for the economy of eastern North Carolina. The project also has broad support from an array of elected officials and leaders in economic development. We look forward to working with members of the EnergySure coalition, state leaders and representatives from the business community to ensure this bold initiative remains on schedule to begin construction in 2016. Click here to watch an interview with NC Chamber President and CEO Lew Ebert, who sat down with EnergySure to share his thoughts on how the Atlantic Coast Pipeline will stimulate economic growth in North Carolina.

Gary J. Salamido
Vice President, Government Affairs
North Carolina Chamber