St. Luke A.M.E. Church

Dear Reverend , On Tuesday, June 24th, at 9am, the South Carolina Supreme Court will hear arguments to determine whether the Dominion Energy gas pipeline "River Neck to Kingsburg" will be constructed along the Great Pee Dee River in Pamplico, SC. This pipeline will impact members of the Mill Branch community as well as all citizens of Florence County. The Great Pee Dee River provides drinking water for Florence County residents. Dominion Energy used eminent domain to seize land-including heirs property and lands held by African American families in the Mill Branch community for generations. Construction of the pipeline will impact 32 wetland areas, and cross six named tributaries of the Great Pee Dee River. This pipeline will also impact farmers who depend on the land and the river for sustenance. Communities already suffering from flooding, air and water pollution, and rising bills are being targeted by Dominion Energy. Gas pipelines are known to leak toxic substances into the soil and drinking water. Gas pipelines pose several dangers, primarily stemming from the risk of explosions, fires, and toxic gas exposure. These dangers can lead to injuries, deaths, property damage, and environmental harm. Additionally, pipeline infrastructure can disrupt utilities and ecosystems. Pipelines also cause health problems like cancer and respiratory diseases. Utility bills will also increase. This is how companies like Dominion Energy pay for the construction. Dominion Energy is known to target poor and working class communities of color. There is no benefit to the community. In the words of environmentalist Al Gore, Dominion Energy's reckless and racist tactics are well known. It is not surprising that Dominion targetted the Mill Branch and surrounding communities. The area already suffers from poverty and health problems. We are asking citizens to take a stand and attend the upcoming court proceedings and let the SC Supreme Court know that you care about the health and welfare of the community. I look forward to working with you on this worthy cause. Thank you for your consideration. I can be reached at 843-698-9816. Kathy Andrews Executive Director Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League