The country has, as a whole, benefited greatly from the natural gas industry’s growth. Thanks to this industry’s maturity, we have put millions of local laborers to work, created economic diversity in small towns and helped Americans take strides towards energy independence. Additional pipeline infrastructure is needed in order for these improvements to continue, however. Ohio and Michigan, in particular, is in need of a pipeline development to support the growing demand for this clean-burning energy source and to offset the decline of traditional western Canadian supplies. Nexus Gas Transmission (NEXUS) has responded to this need by proposing a 255-mile interstate natural gas pipeline, which will provide consumers across the region with affordable, domestically-abundant energy.

There is a growing demand for energy and as we look to resources to meet that demand, natural gas makes the most sense. It's reliable, cost-effective, and best of all -- it's right here in our own backyard. Americans are ready for complete independence from foreign oil, and while renewable energy is a respectable long-term goal, we are not at a point where renewables are a viable option. Families simply cannot afford the costs, and our power grid cannot bank on an unreliable power source that is unable to meet our current power needs, let alone the power demands of future generation.

The Nexus Pipeline will bring affordable, clean natural gas supplies to families and small businesses in Ohio and Michigan, while providing a much-needed economic boost to the region. Construction alone will provide Ohio with almost 5,500 new jobs and $565 million in fresh wages. Michigan’s labor force would see 1,500 jobs and almost $100 million in new wages. The two states would gain a combined $400 million in local tax revenues, as well. Clearly, the Nexus Pipeline would provide the economic stimulus the hard-working people of Michigan and Ohio deserve.

Nexus Pipeline is a multi-billion-dollar private investment in the Midwest’s energy infrastructure, providing an opportunity to put thousands of our local laborers to work, and helping millions of Americans gain access to affordable, reliable, environmentally responsible and domestically produced energy. The benefits associated with Nexus Pipeline are exactly why elected officials work so hard to develop strategies for safe and responsible pipeline development that will bring resources to hungry markets in the Midwest.

I believe it is critical to the economic and energy future of Ohio and Michigan that our elected officials and decision makers fully recognize the significance of this proposed infrastructure. Please support the Nexus Pipeline, and encourage the completion of this project without delay.