Trending
WASHINGTON -- President Trump's executive orders supporting energy development are being hailed by the U.S. senators from West Virginia.
Trump signed the directives on Wednesday to expedite permitting processes and encourage investment in infrastructure to develop energy markets, such as pipelines and the Appalachian Storage Hub in West Virginia.
"I'm also pleased to see the president's executive order directs a study on the growth of the Appalachian energy sector and particularly the potential to grow our petrochemical industry downstream of an ethane hub," Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., said. "I've said time and time again that a regional ethane storage hub would do a lot to benefit West Virginia. This logical follow-up to the study I authorized, and which the Department of Energy has completed, on the viability of the hub is another affirmation that it's an idea worth pursuing."
Political games prevent West Virginia energy from being sent to where it's needed, Capito said. Policies should facilitate coal and liquid natural gas exports to promote West Virginia jobs, she said.
"Earlier this year, I sent (EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler) a letter voicing my concern with certain states blocking natural gas pipelines for political reasons, and I have worked hard to end the previous administration's war on coal," Capito said.
The proposed Appalachian Storage Hub is a facility using available natural underground storage capabilities to store raw materials, including ethane or butane from gas produced in the Marcellus Shale. An area in Tyler County near Bens Run is among three sites under consideration in West Virginia.
"After talking with Secretary Perry this week and after (Wednesday's) executive order, I am more confident than ever that the administration is serious about being a partner in helping us develop the Appalachian Storage Hub," Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., said.
Manchin said he has been working with the Trump administration and Perry so they understand the economic development and potential for energy security from a storage hub. It will create jobs in West Virginia and encourage development in the state and neighboring states, he said.
"It will also be vital in helping to secure our energy future by providing a reliable, affordable supply of natural gas liquids," Manchin said.