Today, Greg Lalevee, Chairman of the Engineers Labor-Employee Cooperative, and Mark Longo, Director of the Engineers Labor-Employee Cooperative, released the following statements in response to PSE&G’s announcement of a five-year program to upgrade New Jersey’s natural gas infrastructure.

Statement from Greg Lalevee, Chairman of the Engineers Labor-Employer Cooperative

“This is a smart move for New Jersey and a critical upgrade to our aging natural gas infrastructure that will create jobs, improve natural gas service and protect New Jersey’s residents from dangerous gas leaks. The proposed program will create thousands of well-paying, full-time jobs across 11 counties in New Jersey, adding a crucial economic benefit to the important advances in safety and delivery PSE&G has proposed. Infrastructure investments such as these are important job creators, and other utilities should follow PSE&G’s lead to build a brighter economic future for our state.

I urge our utilities to upgrade their infrastructure and work with state, county and local officials to prioritize these sorely-needed projects. Modernizing New Jersey’s crumbling infrastructure must be a top priority for elected officials, service providers and elected officials alike. I’m confident that we can work to secure dedicated funding and a long-term commitment to New Jersey’s energy systems that will ensure a safe, sustainable and economically beneficial future for all New Jerseyans.”

Statement from Mark Longo, Director of the Engineers Labor-Employer Cooperative

“As the labor management fund that supports the over 6500 members of the Operating Engineers Local 825, we stand firmly behind the announced project from PSE&G to upgrade significant portions of their natural gas infrastructure. This $2.7 Billion investment represents a commitment to delivering the most affordable energy to their customers. An investment of this magnitude – in real dollars, future economic benefits and dedication to safety – is to be applauded.”

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