Duke Energy Admits ACP May Not Overcome Opposition, Economics, Court Challenges

CEO Hints at Backup Plan for Controversial Fracked Gas Pipeline
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Doug Jackson, 202.495.3045 or doug.jackson@sierraclub.org

NEW YORK -- In an interview with Bloomberg, Duke Energy CEO Lynn Good conceded that because “Atlantic Coast pipeline was sized and designed with a time frame,” the energy giant may need to move on to another project. The Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP), a controversial fracked gas project that would run 600 miles from West Virginia through Virginia into North Carolina, is currently years behind schedule and billions over budget. Local activists and communities along its route have opposed the project from the beginning, and recent court decisions, combined with a negative outlook on the economics of fracked gas, have cast doubt on the fate of the pipeline.

In response, Sierra Club Beyond Dirty Fuels Campaign Director Kelly Martin released the following statement:

"Duke Energy is finally getting the picture that it cannot overcome the power of the grassroots, the economics that favor clean energy over fossil fuels, and our fundamental environmental safeguards. Now, Duke is trying to double down on fracked gas but ‘plan B’ for Duke is still a worst-case scenario for our climate and communities. To avoid severe negative health effects, polluted water, and the worst impacts of climate change, Duke must abandon their dirty fossil fuel projects and invest in the clean, renewable energy sources that are already abundant and affordable.”

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The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.