Fiocchi Supports Pipeline through Pines, Conservationists Cry Foul

PETERSBURG – Assemblyman Samuel Fiocchi (R-1st) has added his voice to Sen. Jeff Van Drew’s (D-1st) in support of a natural gas pipeline through the Pinelands to the B.L. England Generating Station in Beesley’s Point.
At the same time, the Pinelands Preservation Alliance claimed that elected officials are using economic scare tactics to mislead the public.
At a March 21 press conference at Upper Township Municipal Complex, Fiocchi said, “I want to promote awareness and give my support” to the pipeline project. With Upper Township Mayor Richard Palombo at his side, the Vineland Republican claimed the project would support 300 temporary construction jobs and 100 full-time jobs.
The natural gas pipeline proposed by South Jersey Gas would have run 22 miles from Maurice River Township to the Beesley’s Point power plant, mostly following Routes 49 and 50 through areas within the boundaries of the Pinelands National Reserve.
At their Jan. 10 meeting, the Pinelands Commission deadlocked in a 7-7 vote, failing to grant approval to the plan. Since then, Van Drew – a Democrat – has asked the Pinelands Commission to re-open the issue.
In a release, Van Drew stated, “The pipeline project is absolutely vital to South Jersey and the state and failing to move it forward could threaten progress in our region for years to come. I have spoken personally to both Gov. Christie and Senate President Sweeney and they are just as committed as I am to protecting the economy of the region and ensuring a strong energy future for the state through this effort.”
Palombo added his support, stating, “That facility [the B.L. England plant] is here, it’s a viable part of the township. They should run the plant that’s already there and do it in an environmentally-friendly way.”
But Carleton Montgomery, executive director of the Pinelands Preservation Alliance, says that Van Drew and Palombo are misleading the public. Upper Township received $6.4 million through the Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Fund last year, and Montgomery claims pipeline supporters have made it seem like Upper Township will lose that money unless B.L. England stays in operation after a switch from coal to natural gas.
In fact, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ Office of Local Government Services confirmed Montgomery’s view about the funding. It noted that every municipality in the state receives money from the Energy Tax Receipts fund, regardless of whether they host an electrical generating facility. The plant’s owner, Rockland Capital Energy Investments LLC, also paid more than $340,000 in property taxes to Upper Township in 2013. Montgomery added that the property taxes would be paid regardless of whether the plant was open or closed.
Palombo agreed that the $6.4 million is independent of B.L. England’s status, but contended that Upper Township could actually be in line for more. The mayor believes that possible changes in the fund’s allocation formula could mean Upper Township is in line for $10-11 million.
After the press conference, Fiocchi added that if the Pinelands Commission is going to reconsider its decision, he would support re-opening the public comment period.
Public comment was heard only at a Dec. 9 meeting, or by mail and e-mail from late November through December. Fiocchi said he didn’t comment earlier because he didn’t assume office until after the comment period had closed.
Fiocchi also said that he planned to study the March 19 decision by the Board of Public Utilities, rejecting a proposal by Cape May-based Fishermen’s Energy to build wind turbines in waters three miles off Atlantic City. That plan was estimated to create 400 jobs and bring $150 million in construction, manufacturing, and investment dollars to the area.
Contact Broder at pbroder@cmcherald.com
For the Herald’s previous coverage, go to:
– http://goo.gl/9Uxp22