Mountain Valley Pipeline Draws Widespread Public Support

New Poll Shows Majority Across Virginia Back MVP Project

PITTSBURGH--()--A recent survey conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research shows a strong majority of Virginians support the proposed Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) project. The statewide survey of voters’ views on important policy issues and candidates for public office was conducted between Jan. 5, 2017, and Jan. 10, 2017.

Among all respondents, 62 percent said they support the Mountain Valley Pipeline. Respondents in the Roanoke and Southwest Virginia region showed the strongest support for the project, with 74 percent of Roanoke area respondents supporting the MVP. The project has earned a broad base of support from private citizens, business groups, and elected officials, including the governors of Virginia and West Virginia.

“These survey results reflect the importance of this project to the state and region,” said Shawn Posey, senior vice president, MVP construction and engineering. “The transportation capacity for MVP is already fully subscribed, which reflects the market’s recognition of the need for low-cost, reliable natural gas.”

“These findings are reassuring that the vast majority of Virginians recognize that natural gas is clean, affordable, and abundant here in the U.S., and we need infrastructure like the Mountain Valley Pipeline to promote energy independence, create jobs, and generate tax revenue,” said Chris Saxman, executive director of Virginia FREE.

“Demand for natural gas continues to grow, and the Mountain Valley Pipeline is an infrastructure project that is essential to meeting the needs of residents and employers across the Roanoke Valley,” said John D’Orazio, president and CEO of Roanoke Gas Co. “Pipelines are the safest way to move natural gas, and our plan to install taps on the MVP line in Montgomery and Franklin counties will bring lasting, positive economic benefits to our community.”

“The Mountain Valley Pipeline is important for our future and these survey results indicate that most people agree,” said Joyce Waugh, president and CEO of the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce. “The MVP project’s construction will provide an immediate economic boost by creating thousands of jobs. In the longer term, the increased access to affordable, clean natural gas will help to position our region to recruit and retain employers.”

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is currently reviewing the Mountain Valley Pipeline application. In September, the FERC issued the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the project and the Commission is currently working to develop the Final Environmental Impact Statement.

For details on the portion of the survey and results pertaining to Mountain Valley Pipeline: http://mason-dixon.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/VA1-17-MtValley-Gas-Pipeline-Results3.pdf

For details on the portion of the survey and results pertaining to the 2017 Virginia gubernatorial race: http://mason-dixon.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/VA-1-17-Part-1.pdf

About Mason-Dixon Polling & Research

Since 1983, Mason-Dixon Polling & Research Inc. has conducted surveys in every state in the country, on almost every public issue, and tracked every major election and referendum. During this time, Mason-Dixon has earned the reputation as the most credible and accurate independent polling firm in the nation. Visit http://mason-dixon.com/

About Mountain Valley Pipeline

The Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) is a proposed underground, interstate natural gas pipeline system that spans approximately 303 miles from northwestern West Virginia to southern Virginia. Subject to approval and regulatory oversight by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the MVP will be constructed and owned by Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC – a joint venture of EQT Midstream Partners, LP; NextEra US Gas Assets, LLC; Con Edison Transmission, Inc.; WGL Midstream; and RGC Midstream, LLC. The MVP was designed to transport clean-burning natural gas from the prolific Marcellus and Utica shale regions to the growing demand markets in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast areas of the United States. Targeting a full in-service of late 2018, EQT Midstream Partners, primary interest owner, will operate the pipeline. From planning and development, to construction and in-service operation – MVP is dedicated to the safety of its communities, employees, and contractors; and to the preservation and protection of the environment. Visit www.mountainvalleypipeline.info

Forward-Looking Statements of RGC Resources, Inc.

The statements in this release regarding RGC Resources, Inc. (the "company") that are not historical facts constitute “forward-looking statements” made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements include the company's expectations regarding expanding its customer base and access to its natural gas system, enhancing reliability of its natural gas system and strengthening natural gas supply. Management cautions the reader that these forward-looking statements are only predictions and are subject to a number of both known and unknown risks and uncertainties, and actual results, performance, and/or achievements of the company may differ materially from the future results, performance, and/or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors. These factors include, without limitation, failure or delay of the MVP to be brought into service or failure of demand for natural gas, those risks and uncertainties described above for Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC, and those risks and uncertainties set forth in the company’s periodic reports and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such filings are available at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and at the company’s website at www.rgcresources.com. The statements made in this release are based on information available to the company as of the date of this release and the company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this release.

Contacts

Mountain Valley Pipeline media inquiries:
Natalie Cox, 412-395-3941
Corporate Director, Communications
ncox@eqt.com

Contacts

Mountain Valley Pipeline media inquiries:
Natalie Cox, 412-395-3941
Corporate Director, Communications
ncox@eqt.com