202 Brownlow Avenue Suite A305 Cambridge 1 Dartmouth NS B3B 1T5 Phone 902-425-4774 www.maritimesenergy.

.com 08 August 2012 The Honourable Sterling Belliveau Environmental Assessment Branch Nova Scotia Environment PO Box 442 Halifax, NS B3J 2P8

Re: Alton Natural Gas Storage LPs natural gas pipeline Environment Assessment Registration Dear Minister: The Maritimes Energy Association supports the approval and development of the Alton Natural Gas Pipeline project as a means of increasing the security of supply levels of natural gas throughout the province and broadening access to clean, inexpensive natural gas for Nova Scotians. The application by Alton Natural Gas Storage LP represents a comprehensive plan to minimize environmental impacts and highlights its willingness to develop this project in a responsible manner. The Environmental Assessment (EA) provides mitigation measures the proponent is committed to implement to reduce risk. The EA identifies the valued ecosystem components (VECs) of the project and provides any necessary steps to protect the same. The Alton Natural Gas Pipeline provides significant economic benefits to the region by way of creating jobs through the construction and operation of the facility, as well as providing easy access to communities lacking natural gas access, enabling home-owners and businesses in those areas to benefit from this clean and inexpensive energy source. The proponents of this project have demonstrated their devotion to responsible development through extensive public consultation, taking into account the opinions and knowledge of those in the region. The Maritimes Energy Association strongly endorses the Alton Natural Gas Pipeline Project and encourages the Minister to approve the advancement of this project.

The Maritimes Energy Association is a not-for-profit industry organization for Eastern Canada's energy industry. Since its inception in 1982, the membership has swelled from a dozen to over 300 member organizations throughout Atlantic Canada. The mandate is to support the maximization of Atlantic Canadian participation in the supply of both goods and services to meet the needs of the energy industry. Its purpose is to identify, promote and support the development of opportunities in the energy industry in eastern Canada.