20110912-0010 FERC PDF (Unofficial) 09/08/2011 7t"'.

' I-Sep-37 02:58 PH Senator Pat Tzoney 2322280284

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PATRICK

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SANKING, HOUS~&C, AND URBAN AFFAIR cOMMKRCR, SCIENCE, AN~

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The Honorable Jon Wellin, ghoff
Chairiiian Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

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TR4psPORTATION PQDQET JOINT lplNOMI(Q/MMITItas

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Dear Chairttnan Wellinghoff:

I am writing to urge the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to issue i'ts final decision on the MARC I Pipeline project in the Northern Tier a f Pennsylvania. The MARC I project will serve as a long-tenn investment in vital energy infrastructure. It also holds enormous promise for Pennsylvania as an irnrnediate generator of new jobs and economic growth.
The estimated economic benefits of this project are extraordinary. Two-thirds of the MARC I pipeline's nearly $300 million investnicnt will stay in Pennsylvania providing a sorely needed economic boost. The pipeline construction alone will itnmediately create 600 new, highpaying jobs. Pennsylvania consumers will also benefit long-term as the pipeline will optimize competitive domestic natural gas supplies. It will bolster existing infrastructure serving the eastern interconnect and enhance America's energy independence and, security by helping to ensure a safe aTId reliable supply of dameatiC natural gaS.

As I understand, FERC StaE issued a 300page Environmental Assessment (EA) in May finding that the MARC I project, with appropriate mitigating measures, does not significantly aQ'ect the quality af fhe human environment. We understand that, in the preparation of the EA, PERC worked diligently in an open, transparent process involving many stakeholdera ta ensure that the project will be undertaken within the strongest environmental and ecolagical considerationa.
However, since FERC Stadt issued this recortimended approval, third parties have attempted to thwart FERC's authority and impair the economics af this critical energy infiastructure project. These parties are not impacted by the pipeline project itself; rather, they appear ta be using a FERC proceeding in an effort to advocate and affect national energy policies and. tangential issues associated with shale gas.

This is particularly concerning as we have learned that the construction schedule is precariously &agile and could easily force the construction of the pipeline to be delayed, by a year or longer due ta special accommodations for environmental concerns, including those associated with spawning fish and migrating birds. Delaying the final decision will most

20110912-0010 FERC PDF (Unofficial) 09/08/2011 20 1-Sep-07 02 58 PM Senator Pat Toorney 2022280284

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PATIIICK

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J.TOOMEY

sANKINe, HOIJSINe, AND UssAN AIAIRs

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certainly delay the snticipstd benefits the investment, jobs, snd infrastructure.

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when pennsylvania

WASHINGTON, OC 2D810

of this project at 8 tlmc

direly needs

response and would greatly appreciate you keeping our staff informed as you take your next steps.

I look forward to your

U. S. Senator

20110912-0010 FERC PDF (Unofficial) 09/08/2011 20"I-eep-0i 02 58 PM Senator Pat Teoney 2022280284

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PATFSCK

J. TOOMEY

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SAMSNG, HOUSING, ANU ORGAN AFFASIS COMMERCE, SCIENCE, ANO

FRNRRVLVARIA

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WASHINGTON, DC 60610

TRANSPORTATION

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PACSIMTLE TEANSMI'XTAL 86EBET

The Honomble Jon WellinglaoE

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DATE

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9/7/2011

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20110912-0010 FERC PDF (Unofficial) 09/08/2011

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