Cumberland County residents sound off over proposed natural gas pipeline
FAYETTEVILLE (WTVD) -- Supporters and opponents of a proposed natural gas line sounded off Monday night to a federal agency deciding whether or not to approve the project.
Steve Hammond said he just wants to know how his property in Robeson County will be affected by the proposed Atlantic gas pipeline. He hoped to hear some answers Monday night but did not.
"If they are going to use it, why don't they pay the taxes on the land," said Hammond, "or buy the land from us."
Hammond was one of a small number of people at a public hearing with the federal energy regulatory commission. The commission will ultimately decide whether a proposed 500-mile natural gas pipeline from Virginia to North Carolina is approved or not.
Several community leaders said the pipeline will bring jobs and money to the state and create an economic boon to eastern counties.
"I hope you will carry the message back to those making the decisions that there are people here waiting without food, without adequate heat, and without jobs," said Four Oaks Mayor Linwood Parker.
However, several property owners say the pipeline is a bad deal.
"It's not clean energy. Solar is clean. Wind power is clean energy, but natural gas is not clean energy. Let's get the truth," said Carey Rogers with the Blue Ridge Defense League.
Property owner Darlene Bain said she and others are getting the short end of the stick.
"They are going to have the right of way on my property, but I am going to be the one paying the taxes," said Bain. "Why should I have to pay taxes on something I can't use."
Besides property values, other speakers raised concerns about pipeline safety, and impact on the environment.
Two more public hearings are scheduled this week in North Carolina. Tuesday night at 7 p.m. there will be a meeting at the Forest Hills Middle School in Wilson, and at 7 p.m. on Wednesday a public hearing at the Davie Middle School in Roanoke Rapids.
