Towamensing Township residents protest PennEast pipeline

Yesterday at 3 p.m. over 40 Towamensing Township residents showed up at the Towamensing Township Supervisors’ meeting to request the Supervisors to pass a resolution against the PennEast pipeline.  Residents explained the environmental and safety problems inherent in a fracking gas pipeline, and questioned the use of eminent domain powers given to a private for-profit company.  

I was heartened by the unity of the crowd, which included people who were born and raised in the township and people who moved to the township just last year.  Men and women, old and young, conservatives and liberals--all were united in opposition to PennEast.  

I was also impressed that the group did not simply want the pipeline moved to a neighboring township.  This was not a “Not In My Back Yard” group.  This was a “Stop the goddamn thing in its tracks” group.

The Supervisors asked the residents to appoint a committee to prepare a resolution for their consideration.  The committee has already been formed; the goal is to have the resolution opposing the pipeline passed by the February meeting.  If the Supervisors reflect the opinion of their constituents, the resolution will pass unanimously.