After PUC vote, construction of Mariner East II in West Whiteland Township remains suspended

PHILADELPHIA, PA (June 14, 2018) — On Thursday, the Public Utility Commission voted to uphold in part and deny in part an order by the Honorable Elizabeth Barnes shutting down the operation of Sunoco’s Mariner East I pipeline and construction of the Mariner East 2 pipelines in West Whiteland Township, Chester County.  The Order was in response to a request from State Senator Andrew Dinniman seeking relief for his constituents from ongoing health and safety threats posed by the pipelines. Clean Air Council intervened in Senator Dinniman’s case before the PUC in support of his request and participated in the evidentiary hearing and briefing.  Judge Barnes’ order requires a risk analysis and integrity management program to be created to warn and protect the public from danger and to reduce hazards posed by the pipelines. Hundreds of residents and many elected officials reached out to the Commission to express their support for these protections. With today’s vote, operation of Mariner East I will resume, but construction of Mariner East II in West Whiteland Township remains suspended.  

“Clean Air Council is honored to be part of the incredible grassroots movement that led to today’s decision continuing the suspension of Mariner East 2 construction in West Whiteland Township, and to support the efforts of Senator Dinniman and the communities who stood up to make this possible.  The threats posed by Sunoco’s Mariner East project do not end at the West Whiteland Township line. Communities should continue bringing their concerns to the Commission,” said Joseph Minott, Executive Director and Chief Counsel of Clean Air Council.