MWA applauds the decision of Administrative Law Judges Salapa and Barnes to deny Sunoco’s petitions requesting exemptions from local zoning for its Mariner East Pipeline. In its petitions, Sunoco claimed status as a public utility and a public utility corporation under the Municipalities Planning Code (MPC), and therefore would be entitled to zoning exemptions if its buildings were shown to be “reasonably necessary for the convenience or welfare of the public.”
We intervened along with several affected municipalities and advocacy groups to combat this egregious attempt to stretch the boundaries of utility status. With no other intervenors from Western Pennsylvania, we thought it essential to be a part of this fight as several of the proposed facilities fell within communities we serve, including a site on the Yough. We will continue to monitor this situation, and keep up the fight should Sunoco appeal.
Contact me with any questions or comments.
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