“We’re Eager to Put Our Skills and Training to Work to Safely Build Michigan’s Energy Future”

Lansing, Mi. (November 4, 2014) – Michigan LIUNA members today welcomed the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission announcement setting public hearings for the 800-mile Rover natural gas pipeline.

“We’re eager to put our skills and training to work to safely build Michigan’s energy future,” said Geno Alessandrini, Business Manager for the Michigan Laborers’ District Council, which represents more than 12,000 working men and women in the state. “The Rover pipeline can be a lifeline to good union jobs with family-supporting pay. These jobs are a ladder to the middle class.”

The pipeline will transport natural gas from Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio to communities in Michigan and the Midwest. The project will put as many as 10,000 men and women to work in construction careers and is estimated to generate as much as $32 million in state property and sales tax revenue.

“Each year our union trains about 150,000 workers and invests $100 million in 70 fixed and mobile training centers,” Alessandrini said. “Our accredited, hands-on training includes up to 164 hours of pipeline specific instruction. We know how to do this work right.  We know how to build and leave behind a site better than the way we found it.”

Alessandrini noted that an abundant, affordable supply of energy is critical for all working people, as well as for the economy of Michigan and the nation. And, he noted, natural gas is key to lowering carbon emissions and tackling climate change.

“LIUNA workers, like most Michiganders would rather buy fuel that’s made in America than from parts of the world that want to destroy America,” Alessandrini said. “We look forward to participating in the FERC review process and moving this project forward.”

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