State Senator From Chester County Named To Gov's Pipeline Taskforce

State Sen. Andy Dinniman (D., Chester) has been appointed by Gov. Tom Wolf as one of 48 members of the Pennsylvania Pipeline Infrastructure Task Force, charged with recommending policies and guidelines for the expansion of pipeline infrastructure across the state.

In a statement released Tuesday, Dinniman, who represents the 19th District, said he will be taking into account environmental and public safety concerns, as well as local control and private property rights in considering the issues.

“I hope we can find a way to continue to take advantage of the economic rewards and energy benefits of the Marcellus Shale without jeopardizing the progress we have made in Chester County in terms of public safety and environmental preservation,” he said.

Other Chester County residents selected to the task force include County Commissioner Kathi Cozzone, Jorge Schwartz of Apex Companies in Malvern and former Pennsylvania Public Utility Commissioner Wayne Gardner, currently of WE Gardner Company in Downingtown.

State government officials on the pipeline task force include Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Jon Quigley and John Hanger, Wolf’s secretary of policy and planning.

In addition, the task force will be informed by an additional 101 appointees, who will serve on 12 work groups covering issues including pipeline safety, environmental protection, agriculture, public participation, jobs and economic development and natural gas use.

Chester county residents among the 101 include West Whiteland Supervisor George Turner, on the emergency preparedness workgroup; Tredyffrin Supervisor Mark Freed and East Bradford Supervisor Vince Pompo, on the local government work group; Lynda Farrell, of the Pipeline Safety Coalition, on the safety and integrity work group; and Eileen Juico, of Chester Springs, on the public participation work group.

The task force’s report is due in February.