Rover Pipeline Brings Much Needed Optimism To All Michiganders

The Rover Pipeline began construction in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania earlier this year and can now complete remaining horizontal directional drilling (HDD) activity in Ohio, thanks to a recent approval by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Soon the pipeline will deliver natural gas to Michigan too, which is a positive step for unions and all those living in the state.

Here’s why you should be excited about the Rover Pipeline: everyone benefits. Yes, everyone, from union halls to the grocery store.

Pipelines are the safest and most environmentally-friendly way to get the energy that powers our daily lives efficiently from the ground to the marketplace. From construction to operation, union workers benefit directly from the thousands of jobs that open up. Construction workers, welders, and other tradesmen are enlisted to build the project. But what will send the state economy’s growth snowballing is what happens after construction with greater access to natural gas.

When the pipeline is done and begins delivering gas to manufacturers, factory workers will see growth in their industry. More natural gas means more affordable gas and cheaper byproducts, like nylon and rubber. Cheaper input material means lower costs for manufacturers and therefore, the opportunity to hire more workers. Cheaper gas also means it will be less expensive for factories to power their facilities during the cold Michigan winters—another slash at their bottom lines. For unions in a state that’s seen better manufacturing days, this reality is no trivial matter.

Pipeline benefits quickly reach the consumers via cheaper heat and electricity generation for their homes and more affordable goods, like cars and clothes and toothbrushes made from natural gas. Even local food may become more affordable as famers will gain access to cheaper fuel and fertilizers.

All Michiganders should look forward to the promise of a new and fully operational natural gas pipeline in our state. More jobs for unions and cheaper goods for everyone? That’s a development we can all get behind.