Digital Scholarship and Initiatives

A new report claims that the Atlantic Coast Pipeline is unlikely to bring economic development to three eastern NC counties. Nancy LaPlaca, who authored the report, is an energy consultant. The pipeline has warranted fierce opposition. Opponents claim it will cause irreparable environmental damage and affect minority and impoverished communities, including 30,000 Native Americans who live along the proposed route. In the report, LaPlaca says, ""In spite of new disclosures of specific development projects, there are absolutely no details or analysis of the purpose, use, and impact of this new, proposed infrastructure provided by the ACP as requested by the DEQ. Also, there is no acknowledgment of the additional risks to the public and environment, including water sources and resources, from these newly disclosed proposed developments” (para. 6). The report calls for the DEQ to hold additional public hearings.