Forsyth County Passes Resolution Opposing Transco’s Proposed Southeast Supply Enhancement Project

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (Aug. 28, 2025) - Today, the Forsyth County Commissioners unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution opposing Transco’s proposed Southeast Supply Enhancement Project (SSEP).

Forsyth County Commissioners urged the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to deny approval of SSEP unless all of the steps they lay out have been completed: including rigorously evaluating all potential risks and alternatives to the proposed pipeline project, as well as a ‘no action’ alternative. They also asked the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) to deny water and air permits. 

SSEP is an expensive new methane gas pipeline proposed by the Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC — a subsidiary of Williams Companies, commonly referred to as Transco. If permitted and constructed, SSEP would stretch 54 miles and expand or modify compressor stations in five states. 

Roughly 24 miles of pipeline could run through Forsyth, Guilford and Davidson Counties. North Carolina communities along SSEP’s proposed route already suffer from some of the worst air pollution in the state. In the Triad, an existing Transco compressor station already produces pollutants that are well known to cause harm to human health, and the SSEP expansions would only increase harmful emissions in households with more limited income. In their resolution, the Forsyth County Commissioners cited Transco facilities as having “poorer safety records” and concerns about public safety risks given the proposed proximity to Forsyth County major medical facilities including the Kernersville VA Clinic and the Novant Kernersville Medical Center, neighborhoods, and schools.

Forsyth County is the third municipality to pass a resolution raising concerns, or opposing Transco’s proposed SSEP. In May, the town of Midway passed a similar resolution opposing the project. In June, the Guilford County Commissioners passed a resolution asking FERC for more rigorous environmental and safety analysis. 

“Transco has openly said the people of Forsyth County and all the other communities impacted by SSEP will not see the benefits of this project. Instead, we’ll have to deal with potential air and water pollution and extensive safety risks to their homes, businesses and schools,” said Caroline Hansley, Campaign Organizing Strategist with the Sierra Club. “We’re thrilled that Forsyth County Commissioners have chosen to take a stand, and constituents have been heard– we don’t want to make Transco richer while we get sicker.”

"This pipeline proposal raises real concerns about health and safety. The vast majority of voters do not want more fossil fuel projects,” said Jessica Rowe, Events & Partnerships Manager with the Piedmont Environmental Alliance. “At community meetings, the majority of residents are asking questions about safety and renewable energy sources. We appreciate the Forsyth County Commissioners listening to the people, who want more review, more facts, and more public input.”

On Thursday, September 4 at 4:30pm, community members and grassroots organizations will hold a Rally to Protect Water in Harmon Park at 152 South Main St., Kernersville, N.C. The rally will take place ahead of a public hearing on SSEP’s 401 water quality certification application held by the NCDEQ. The hearing starts at 6 p.m. in the Kernersville Municipal Council Chambers, 134 East Mountain St., Kernersville, N.C.