When problems do occur, they most often are caused by contractors who fail to call 811 before starting a new construction project. The Department of Transportation, which oversees pipelines, has an ongoing communications campaign about the importance of calling “Miss Utility” at 811 to locate underground infrastructure before starting any excavation.

Pipeline construction takes only a few months, not years as stated in Nelson County’s resolution. And the cost is borne by private business trying to fulfill the needs of energy customers, not by the taxpayers.

In Virginia, the Atlantic Coast pipeline will improve and expand the availability of natural gas, which in turn will make Virginia stronger, richer and more competitive with other states. Due to fracking, America now has more than enough natural gas to last for the next century, a fact that has greatly lowered energy costs and is encouraging the rebirth of U.S. manufacturing. By making more natural gas available, more Virginians can reach for the American Dream.

Communities that oppose the Atlantic Coast pipeline are ignoring the greater good. This pipeline and others are helping to make the drive for American energy independence a reality. After 40 years of worry over supply disruptions, new gas discoveries and consequent pipelines are a dream come true.