A new study of the mid-Atlantic’s demand for natural gas reveals that two proposed and highly controversial interstate pipelines are not needed because existing pipelines can supply more than enough fuel to power the region through 2030.

A report on the study, prepared by Massachusetts-based Synapse Energy Economics, was released today. It concludes that the Atlantic Coast Pipeline and the Mountain Valley Pipeline would be financially beneficial to utility companies and investors while burdening customers with higher bills to cover the cost of the unnecessary construction.

The two proposed pipelines would transport natural gas from wells in West Virginia to customers in Virginia and the Carolinas. The pipelines would transect valuable natural and recreation areas, along with cities, towns and farms. They would require the exercise of eminent domain to cross private property.

As described in the report, an equal or greater amount of natural gas can be supplied by existing and upgraded pipelines at a lower cost with far fewer impacts. Though the ACP and MVP may be good business decisions for the pipeline developers, they cannot be said to serve the greater public good.

Graphic from Synapse report, illustrating how natural gas needs can be met with changes in gas transmission and pipeline upgrades.

For more information, see:

Synapse Report News Release

Synapse Report: Are the Atlantic Coast Pipeline and the Mountain Valley Pipeline Necessary?

DPMC Story Map: Atlantic Coast Pipeline – A Question of Need