In the Forbes article titled Why Pipeline Opposition Undermines Environmental Progress and Safety, author Brigham McCown makes the case that pipelines are critical to our daily lives, and vocal opposition to pipeline projects is often misguided.

McCown, a former federal government safety regulator, points out that the benefits of pipelines far outweigh the costs.

He writes:

“Pipelines replace more carbon-intensive transport methods, meaning that they are the greenest way to move enormous volumes of energy supplies like natural gas, propane, and gasoline. Pipelines reduce congestion across our rail, shipping, and highways. Removing trucks from the highways and roads makes roadways safer for us all, reduces damage, and eliminates tons of mobile source greenhouse gas emissions.”

He continues that pipelines bring energy resources to families, small businesses, and communities to heat homes, cook food, and support the economy. Most importantly, they are also facilitating environmental progress right below our feet.

“Pipelines have gotten a rap they have not deserved. Back in the early 2000s, Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta (D-CA) talked about pipelines as the “unsung heroes of our economy” and said they were like veins and arteries in our own bodies, providing the lifeblood to the American economy.”

Read the full column here.