Gas Industry Brings Fake Grassroots Group To Eastern Pipeline Fights

"The industry-funded Your Energy is trying to mobilize a movement to counter pipeline protesters."

"Amid intensifying fights over new natural gas pipelines in Virginia, New Jersey and New England, the gas industry is ramping up its defense with a new front group meant to appeal to East Coasters, who have mostly avoided the fights over oil and gas development that have rocked Western states.

Your Energy launched quietly in Virginia last month, ahead of a November gubernatorial election that is shaping up to be a 'referendum on pipelines,' as one local newspaper put it.

The group, which is funded by the American Gas Association, debuted as a co-sponsor of a conference at the Virginia Chamber of Commerce on May 24. Jim Cheng, who served as secretary of commerce under then-Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) and is not on the group’s payroll, spoke on its behalf."

Alexander C. Kaufman reports for Huffpost June 12, 2017.