The commissioners expressed appreciation for the community’s involvement and acknowledged the significant time and expense required to participate in this long and complex process. Their decision reflects that recognition.

Next steps will be outlined by the ECMC in the coming weeks, though it will take time to assess alternative locations, cumulative impacts and to complete the necessary engineering. Throughout this process, STAR remains ready to partner with industry and the ECMC to identify the most responsible and protective location for all.

We encourage the ECMC to continue incorporating community input and peer-reviewed research as they evaluate the real impacts of these developments on people and places.

Finally, STAR extends its sincere thanks to our community for steadfast support by participating in hearings, submitting comments, and providing the financial resources needed for engagement in the state permitting process. Please stay with us; we will keep you informed about what comes next.  Remember this is a marathon, not a sprint!

Said Randy Willard, President of STAR, “This is as good an outcome as we could have hoped for, today.  The state allowed our involvement throughout the process and values our input.”

Attorney Mike Foote, STAR’s counsel, followed with “We appreciate the Commission’s attention and thorough review throughout this proceeding. We are thankful the Commissioners seriously considered community feedback and look forward to continuing the process.”