EILEEN SIMOLLARDES: RESPECT FOR LANDOWNERS
“There is no doubt that the Addison Rutland Natural Gas Project will strengthen our economy, help retain and create jobs by cutting heating bills by 40 to 50 percent and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions – advantages that help Vermont transition toward a cleaner and more affordable energy future. However, one of the most challenging elements of all public infrastructure projects is their impact on landowners.
Vermont Gas has tremendous respect for landowners who host public infrastructure of all types – roads, sidewalks, and water, sewer, electric and natural gas lines, for example. We always want to reach a fair and personalized agreement with every landowner and minimize the challenges presented to landowners by the regulatory proceedings. The 135 Vermonters who make up Vermont Gas all want to be good neighbors and good stewards as we have been in Chittenden and Franklin counties for 50 years. Since 2001 Vermont Gas has installed over 250 miles of distribution and transmission pipeline and never had to use eminent domain for any of these new installations.”
Simollardes, Eileen. VT Digger 18 August 2014.