Community Raises Concerns with Pipeline

At a crowded hearing at Middlebury Union Middle School on Sept. 10, concerned citizens voiced their opposition to Vermont Gas’ proposed 43-mile pipeline from Colchester to Middlebury that would provide natural gas to Addison county. On Oct. 8., the selectboard will be voting on the circumstances that must be present in order for them to consider supporting the pipeline. Town members urged the town’s public service board to deny Vermont Gas the Certificate of Public Good required for construction.

Close to 600 people attended the hearing. Those in opposition dominated the speaking time at the assembly, with all but a few raising their voices in opposition to the pipeline. Before the assembly meeting, a demonstration that brought together speakers and activists against fracking was held outside.

The meeting came after a long battle between the project’s supporters, who claim that fracked gas will lower energy costs considerably, while posing less environmental risk than gasoline or oil, and opponents, who claim that the project conflicts with the state’s renewable energy goals.

“We would be thrilled if all our vehicles ran on hopes, wishes, and dreams but they do not,” said Joseph Fusco, an executive at Casella Waste Management, a trucking company in Vt.  He went on to laud the benefits of switching the company’s trucks from diesel fuel to natural gas and was one of the few speakers who received no applause.

An editorial response to the event by columnist Angelo Lynn added that natural gas is 51 percent cheaper than fuel oil and that cheaper energy would produce numerous jobs.
Opponents, however, doubted the credibility of the supporters’ economic claims and asserted that the dangers of constructing the pipeline are significant.

“We’re involved in a discussion over whether we’re going to have fossil fuels or … natural gas,” said Nate Palmer, a resident of Monkton.  “That’s like saying: do you want fossil fuels or fossil fuel light?”

Many cited Governor Peter Shumlin’s goal for the state of relying on 90 percent renewable energy by 2050.

“We thought Vermont was a leader,” said Marly Lotourelley. “If you had told me back then that I would be someday fighting a natural gas pipeline here I would have laughed at you. I hope the joke is not on us.”

Theatrics punctuated the otherwise stern nature of the event.  Actors performed a skit about a farmer trying to file a complaint against Vermont Gas, beset by bureaucratic obstruction. One speaker dressed up as a pirate, emphasizing that the pipeline was a “gangplank” to the future.

Many opponents came from out of town, including a group of students who took a bus in from Burlington.

“I am part of the future as a student ... and I believe that by promoting natural gas use in the state that that’s not leading us to a sustainable future,” said Sophia Hoffacker, a student at the University of Vermont. “That is why I oppose this pipeline and that is why I am here.”