Pipeline Panel Discussion Wednesday, 7pm

An expansion of the natural gas pipeline running through Mountain Lakes, Witherspoon Woods and other preserved lands in the Princeton Ridge has been proposed. Plans include not only laying pipe along the existing right of way but extending into additional forested areas. A panel discussion is planned tonight. Details below.

"Pipeline Education and Empowerment: A Panel Discussion"
On March 27th at 7 pm in Princeton the Central Group NJ Sierra Club, Princeton University student group SURGE, Delaware Riverkeeper Network and Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association will be hosting an important educational forum. 

Join us to learn more about Natural Gas Pipelines and the detrimental impacts they are having on New Jersey. There are a number ofpipeline expansion projects currently being constructed across the state. 

The latest expansion proposed by Williams / Transco, the Leidy Southeast Expansion Project, would impact Princeton, Montgomery, Branchburg, Readington, and Branchburg.

These pipelines can damage our water quality, clear cut our forests and impact residential communities to carry polluting fossil fuels to distant locations. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration natural gas usage in New Jersey has remained steady for the last five years. However as drillers increase activity in Pennsylvania companies are eager to move their gas to markets.

A panel of experts will discuss environmental and safety impacts, construction techniques, legal issues and options for effective involvement by individuals and groups.

What: Pipeline Education and Empowerment: A Panel Discussion
When: March 27th at 7 p.m.
Where: Princeton University, McCosh Hall Room 46 http://etcweb.princeton.edu/pumap/#0024
Why: Pipeline projects target our lands, water and forests and our local community. Learn about the issues and options for us.

Panelists:
* Kate Millsaps, NJ Sierra Club, Pipelines in New Jersey, Pipelines in New Jersey - The Big Picture 
* Faith Zerbe, Monitoring Director, Delaware Riverkeeper Network, Pipeline Construction Methodology and Impacts
* Jennifer Coffee, Policy Director, StonyBrook Millstone Watershed Association, The Local Environment 
* Alice Baker, J.D., Eastern Environmental Law Clinic, Legal Issues and Community Options
* Frank and Nancy Rumore, Fight the Pipe, One Community's Response

Moderators: Terry Stimpfel, Chair, Central Group NJ Chapter Sierra Club and Isaac Lederman, Co-President, Princeton University Students United for a Responsible Global Environment